Rainwater management can be a serious concern for communities and homeowners. Flooded basements, land erosion, and marshy and flooded areas are some of the symptoms of poor rainwater management. Fortunately, there are many ways to control and mitigate storm water such as basement water proofing, and outdoor drains, but did you know that there are natural ways as well? Rain gardens, swales, berms, and dry riverbeds are just some of the ways that storm water problems can be dealt with naturally.
Storm Water Problems, Addressed
Sometimes problem water areas can be dealt with by simply planting a few water loving plants in a wet area, but sometimes larger interventions are required. Swales, and berms are earthen structures that help to direct the flow of water away from buildings. Dry river beds are shallow trenches that collect and direct rainwater to strategic areas of a property. Rain gardens, on the other hand, help to collect and absorb rainwater.
Rain gardens are built similar to a saucer or bowl so that the water running downhill into them is captured and absorbed into the earth. A rain garden is planted with moisture loving plants that will quickly absorb the water and return it to the water cycle. The mitigation of flooding is just the tip of the iceberg. The selected plants will also be beneficial to birds, butterflies, and bees. If correctly designed a rain garden will have four season interest and will add beauty to your property while being a functional piece of your landscape. Collecting the rainwater also reduces the impact of heavy rains on already distressed storm drain systems. The planting will also help sequester carbon emissions from vehicles, as well as other pollutants.
Call us today, at 410-667-8900, to see how we might be able to help naturally solve your storm water problems.
