Stormwater Management

Any type of development increases stormwater runoff due to the addition of impervious surfaces like rooftops and concrete driveways, as well as the removal of natural vegetation. Managing this runoff responsibly is essential for conscientious homeowners and business owners to minimize its impact. Unfortunately, typical stormwater management practices often only meet the bare minimum needed to prevent issues or complaints from neighbors and to comply with basic regulations. For example, on smaller lots gutter drains are frequently directed just a few feet from property lines, or directly onto the street which can create problems rather than properly addressing stormwater runoff. A more effective approach involves implementing thoughtful solutions such as rain gardens or vegetative swales, that manage runoff responsibly, reducing its volume, slowing its flow, and minimizing its environmental impact.

We Design and Install Stormwater Management Solutions

Rain Gardens

A rain garden is a specially constructed, low-lying area in the landscape designed to collect rainwater from roofs, gutter drains, driveways, or streets, allowing it to soak naturally into the ground. During construction, soil is typically excavated and amended with well-draining materials to improve infiltration. Unlike ponds, rain gardens do not retain visible water for more than a day or two, as their purpose is to quickly absorb and filter runoff.

Rain gardens are an excellent way to reduce runoff from your property, slow water flow, and filter it naturally. They are typically planted with grasses and flowering perennials, making them both functional and visually appealing. In addition to being a cost-effective solution, rain gardens help filter pollutants from runoff and provide food and shelter for butterflies, songbirds, and other wildlife. The size of a rain garden is determined by factors such as the square footage of impervious surfaces, downspouts, and property slopes. For optimal water management, rain gardens are often combined with vegetative swales and dry creek beds.

Bioretention Ponds

Bioretention ponds are more complex versions of rain gardens. These larger depressions are designed to manage greater volumes of water, allowing it to percolate slowly through engineered porous soil and aggregate, often with an integrated drainage system. Bioretention ponds are commonly used in commercial properties like apartment complexes to meet water management requirements.

Vegetative Swales

Vegetative swales are shallow, wide ditches planted with grass or other vegetation. They are an effective alternative to piping, as they slow down water flow while promoting infiltration and filtration. For example, along roadsides in developments, vegetative swales often carry water between driveways, with culverts allowing it to flow beneath driveways.

Dry Creek Beds

Dry creek beds are shallow, wide ditches lined with rock instead of plants. Like vegetative swales, they are designed to slow water flow and manage runoff. These features are ideal for areas where piping is unnecessary or impractical, offering both functionality and a natural aesthetic.

Both vegetative swales and dry creek beds work together to reduce erosion, manage water effectively, and blend seamlessly into the landscape. They are often used alongside rain gardens to create a comprehensive water management system.