Suggestions on configuring downspouts

iamparakeet

The front of my house has two water downpipes. One goes right in to the ground, underground and through the front forecourt wall, exiting on to the pavement. The other pours right out on to the ground. See pics...





I am considering new options for the top-exiting pipe for two reasons...

1. I am wondering whether water exiting so near the base of the wall here is a bad idea. Anyone got a view on this? Several walls are suffering from damp and I want to do what I can to eliminate that any risk of that in this area.

2. I want to plant a row of privacy hedging, perhaps cherry laurel, where you see the row of patio slabs. As is, that water would be pouring right on to the hedging. Maybe this risks over-watering or simply sludgy soil? But I like the idea of using the appropriate amount of natural water for the hedge if necessary.

Any thoughts on what, if anything, could or should be done?
Any thoughts about planting hedging here?

Could the top-exiting pipe be directed in to the underground pipe at the visible portion? I seem to recall a rule against doing this, regarding volume of water exiting to the pavement (?).

Thanks.

anotherbaldrick

A.Penny.Saved

Your water company will charge you if you submit an application to add the roof water to the drainage and they might not allow it. I have a similar situation and I have decided to install a soakaway and a drain with pipework directing the water to the soakaway. Other drainage points can then be put in and also drain to the soakaway. I want a no messing slabbed front so water still needs to drain away so drain points in the concreted slabs will be needed.

iamparakeet

I've thought about getting one of these things so that water can exit farther away as the cool unfurls, but I may well have a hedge in its path soon and it might hit... http://rainguardusa.com