Reducing stormwater runoff 

There are many ways to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff coming from your property.  A few choices include:
"CAPTURE" THE RAIN

Popular options: 
  • Plant native trees 
  • Establish a "layered garden" of groundcovers, shrubs and trees
  • Replace grass lawn with shrubs and trees 
  • Place planters or raised garden beds on hard (impervious) ground
  • AMBITIOUS OPTION: Build a green roof 

​Did you know: ​A PNW conifer intercepts and transpires as much as 30%  of the rain that falls on it each year.  (Herrera Environmental Consultants, 2008) 
"COLLECT" THE RAIN

Popular options:
  • Create a rain barrel water harvesting system
  • Install a stormwater planter 
  • AMBITIOUS OPTION: Install a rain collection cistern (we recommend hiring a professional designer)

Did you know: ¼” of rain falling on a  1,400 SF roof will generate over 200 gallons of runoff in a brief storm! 

Important information: Collected rainwater should not be used for drinking or watering food-producing plants. 
                                          
"DISPERSE" THE RAIN

Popular options:
  • Use planted buffers to filter and absorb water and nutrients
  • Remove or replace hard surfaces that create stormwater runoff
  • Install a rain garden
  • Install a bog garden (great for amphibians!)
  • Use pervious/ permeable materials for parking areas, driveways, patios, etc.
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Important information:  Avoid infiltration on or near slopes, bluffs, structures or septic systems, areas with shallow groundwater, or where you might adversely impact your neighbor. 
have more questions?  Give us a call.