Concrete or asphalt driveways present storm water runoff problems after heavy rains.
Storm water runoff has to go somewhere after it flows from your concrete driveway. It doesn't go to water treatment facilities, however. That means the oil drops from your car, the pesticide chemicals spilled at your home -- as well as other liquids on nearby asphalt or sidewalks -- will flow into nearby streams and lakes without restraint unless you implement a way to prevent it, such as creating a rain scape or alternate drainage method. Does this Spark an idea?
Low Cost
Reduce the need to water your lawn by designing or modifying your landscape to grow native flowers, grass, ornamental grasses and shrubs. This is a low cost way to create a rain scape. Native plants are already adapted to your geographic area's soil type and rainfall averages, reducing the need for additional watering. Often you can find them for sale much cheaper than exotic plants, occasionally even free.
Natural Drainage
Another low-cost rain scape project that is also a natural drainage project consists of adding rain barrels to your landscape. You can use a rain barrel to catch roof downspout water currently flowing to your drive or sidewalk, where it contributes to storm water runoff, according to the Montgomery County Maryland Department of Environmental Protection. You will have water for gardening and lawn needs without turning on the water hose. The cost consists of a rain barrel and a small modification to connect the downspout directly to the barrel.
Rain Gardens
For large, well-drained landscapes, create a rain garden as your rain scape project. Rid your property of excessive rainfall while reducing storm water runoff. Planting abundant flowers, ornamental grasses and other plants will soak up excessive moisture as it falls and beautify your lawn at the same time. Your cost will include the purchase of ornamental plants, which may be more expensive than native varieties, but you can choose the ones you like best.
Concrete Solutions
Reduce the adverse effect of a landscape covered with concrete or asphalt by adding permeable pavers. You will spend more and perhaps need the assistance of a professional contractor to remove the concrete or asphalt and replace it with pavers. But you will recoup your investment in the long run by increasing your property value with the project. The effort will also beautify your landscape and allow rain to seep into the ground instead of running off as storm water.
Tags: rain scape, water runoff, storm water, your landscape, beautify your, concrete asphalt, create rain