Sump pit

A sump pump is hardly ever needed at any distance from a building. They help with discharging water in poor drainage conditions that can cause foundation problems, so they're often installed right next to the foundation.

Nevertheless, I installed a cheap version way out near the sidewalk as a secondary measure because I have super-hard clay soil conditions. The water table here hits the hardpan like it's a waterproof wall and flows around it, causing underground rivulets during storms and leaving air voids when it's dry. Large cracks in the concrete ground are sure signs of air voids below the slab. I suspected poor drainage at the isolated location for the new tree.



The sump pit is just a 33-gallon waste bucket with three holes: drain inlet, discharge outlet, and power conduit. The cover handle is rot-resistant redwood because the whole thing will get buried.