However, achieving that goal on a property can be difficult.
Landscapers need to take a hard look at the client’s property and see where landscape adjustments or even hardscape additions can help reduce stormwater runoff.
“Can some paved surfaces be eliminated?” the Michigan State University Extension asks. “Consider using alternatives to pavement such as gravel or wood chips for walking areas. Paver stones are porous (when not sealed) and make great patios, walkways and even driveways. Paver stones allow the rain to soak through into the ground below.”
Landscapers should also be looking at gutters and downspouts to see if there is a loose connection, which could be causing a great deal of flooding on the property.
Additionally, rain barrels and rain gardens are options to add to the landscape design.
“A rain garden is a low maintenance perennial garden designed to collect rainwater and hold it until it slowly soaks into the ground,” the MSU Extension says.
The MSU Extension has put together an overview on how landscapers can landscape for water quality.
