In early 2024, just before the ground hardened, we installed wells at a future food forest in Lille. It’s amazing how much information these wells give us about the groundwater level!
We’ve already slightly adjusted our master plan after this action. The soft fruit zone would be soaking wet for too long in the winter. It’s a matter of allowing feedback on your design!
In this project, we used a 110mm sewer pipe and a 100mm drill bit for pre-drilling and post-drilling. We went 1 meter deep. After some testing, I discovered that drilling holes laterally in the sewer pipe isn’t necessary. The water rises naturally in the pipe.
To recap. As a rule of thumb: The location is less suitable for fruit trees if the groundwater level is less than 40 cm below ground level.
Then find another zone on your property or work with ditches and verges.
Good luck with your planting!
with Jochem Thyssen from Lammas
