Controlling Drainage

Photo courtesy of Habersham Gardens

Here are some things you can do to protect your property from excess water and erosion, and to keep the stormwater system in your community clean.

Reduce the amount of impervious surface area (sidewalk, driveway, hardscapes that prevent water from infiltrating soil) on your property. Use alternatives to concrete when planning new patios, paths or drivewaysgravel, paving blocks, porous asphalt and other permeable materials.

Rain gardens are a low-maintenance addition to the landscape, intended to capture rainwater. Planted with vegetation that tolerates wet feet, they are located in an area that will absorb runoff and hold it for a short period of time. Rain gardens reduce flooding risks significantly and allow utilization of excess rainfall in a positive way.

If you have a boggy area in your yard due to underground springs or a low water table, surrender to it and plant shrubs, trees and perennials that love wet feet.

Sweep your driveway instead of hosing it down. This saves water and keeps dirt out of the drainage system.

Avoid using wood chips as mulch around yard inlets or swales. The wood chips can float and be easily moved by runoff water.

Add screens or guards to gutters to keep debris out of your drainage system.

Install a removable connection between your downspouts and roof drains. Also, disconnect downspouts while cleaning gutters to keep debris out of the drainage system.