Reducing Stormwater Runoff 

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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.