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)

House with a red barrel attached to the gutter drain collecting rain

"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.

Mix of grasses and flowered plants by a road

"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.

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.