Ditches are easy to forget about until something goes wrong. A field that won't dry out, water sitting along a boundary, or a lane that floods every time it rains are usually signs that a ditch has stopped doing its job.
The good news is that ditch problems are almost always easier and cheaper to fix if they are caught early. This guide covers when to clear ditches, the signs to look out for, and what the work involves.
When is the best time to clear ditches?
Ditch clearing is best carried out between September and April, when ditches are most manageable. Vegetation has died back, it's easier to see the line of the ditch, and the work can be done before the wettest part of the year sets in.
The autumn is often the busiest time for ditching contractors, so if you know a ditch needs attention it pays to book early rather than wait for the first heavy rain.
Signs your ditches need clearing
- Water pooling in fields after rain. If water is sitting on the surface long after a downpour, it has nowhere to drain to.
- Overgrown ditch lines. Brambles, grass and scrub growing in a ditch slow the water down and trap silt.
- Soggy ground that is slow to dry out. Land that stays wet for days affects grazing, access and crops.
- Flooding near field boundaries. Water spilling over the edge of a ditch is a clear sign it is blocked or silted up.
Ditches that are struggling now will only get worse. Silt builds up year on year and vegetation gets thicker, so leaving it usually means a bigger job later.
What does ditch clearing involve?
Every ditch is different, but a typical job includes:
- Clearing vegetation and scrub along the ditch line
- Removing silt and debris that has built up in the bottom
- Restoring the ditch so water can flow freely again
- Dealing with drainage problems around field boundaries
Using the right size excavator makes a big difference. Too big and you risk damaging banks, hedges and boundaries; too small and the job takes far longer than it should. We source the right machine for each ditch rather than using one machine for everything.
Who needs ditch clearing?
Most of our ditching work is for farmers and landowners with waterlogged fields, but we also help rural businesses and homeowners with drainage ditches along gardens, driveways and access tracks.
Book your ditch clearing early
If your ditches are showing any of the signs above, get in touch now and we can plan the work before the autumn rush. We cover all of Essex and Suffolk and every quote is free with no obligation.
