With many landscape designs and features, water is quickly moved away from the house to avoid flooding or pooling. Although this is a useful design to save our homes from floods, it can have disastrous consequences downstream if the water level rises too quickly. The concept of slowing, spreading, and sinking the water has become the mantra to inform others of water conservation and sustainability practices.
Daylighting
Bringing water up to the surface, or “daylighting”, allows ground water from pipes or culverts to rise up to the surface. Raising the water up to the surface allows the water to be exposed to air, light, soil, and plants. The cleansed water can then be absorbed and dispersed more effectively.
Rain Barrels
Rain barrels are a great way to catch water coming off the roof of your home. The water can then be used for irrigation purposes to lessen the need for municipal water. This is especially helpful during times of drought or low rainfall when water is scarce.
Green Roof
Having a green roof is one of the best options to have for small, frequent rainstorms. The water is easily absorbed or evaporated back into the atmosphere, and the little runoff from the roof is cleaner than the runoff from traditional roofing.
Permeable Pavement
Permeable pavement on driveways or other walkways gives your landscape a unique look and allows rainfall the seep into the soil. You can plant whatever you like using this pavement, but grass seems to work the best for foot traffic or otherwise. Although not all the water will be absorbed through the pavers, a lot of it will and the rest will be slowed by the friction of the grass and concrete.
Swales
Swales are not only a great way to aerate and slow water trickling down, but they can also add visual appeal. Swales are an above surface path that allows the water to flow and meander over rocks and other plants. The best swales are bumpy, not smooth, to achieve a slow, cascading stream.
Planted Slopes
Planted slopes can be effective if the area experiences heavy rainfall. Plants slow and absorb the water running down during a storm more effectively than sod, and the roots keep the soil in place to avoid erosion or landslides on larger slopes.
Rock Surfaces
Many who live in rockier areas of the country, like Colorado, often have rocky slopes that do little to hold water back. In this case, it’s best to find low-soil plants that thrive around outcroppings and rock surfaces. Planting several of these plants will spread over time and break up the rock making the surface more compliant with catching and slowing down stormwater.
Draining water effectively and efficiently can be a tricky task of balance and experimentation. Using the tips provided above, you should have no problem slowing and conserving water around your home. If you should have any trouble, please contact Alair Homes for assistance.