Landscape Solutions for Storm Water Runoff

Philadelphia’s Main Line has a serious storm water problem. The most persistent issue that Alex and I hear from homeowners is regarding water drainage, runoff, pooling water, erosion, plants and trees dying from sitting in water, etc.

The area’s seemingly never-ending new construction is causing serious issues for many homeowners and decades old problems just seem to be getting worse. The townships often have little-to-no interest in getting involved which results in the homeowner footing an expensive bill for new drainage solutions. Depending on the severity of the problem, in place of pipes and drains, you might consider new hardscaping (gravel and stones) with appropriate plantings that can mitigate excess water issues.

A large with a crown of 33’ in diameter can capture and retain as much as 332 gallons of water. In addition to limiting flooding, trees also filter out pollutants in storm water runoff. This contributes to improved water quality in local streams and watersheds.

Although it is not feasible to plant a tree with 33’ crown, there are options for mitigating storm water on your property. I would be remiss not to stress the importance of proactive annual care for the trees on your property (pruning by a certified arborist and inspection for pests) to ensure a long, healthy life and avoidance of a storm water runoff problem on your property!

When planning your landscape for storm water mitigation, it is important to keep in mind that all shrubs and trees do not soak up the same amount of water. You will want to make sure to select varieties that will maximize storm water retention.

This is a great article on How to Use Landscaping to Deal with Storm Water.

You can also search “Swale Garden” or “Storm Water Garden” on Pinterest for more ideas. Be sure to add in key words such as “sun” or “shade” to so that the resulting ideas are appropriate for your space. Many of us struggle with deer; don’t forget to consider that when selecting plant material if you do not have fencing in place.

Best Water Absorbing Trees

• Red Maple

• Ash

• Swamp White Oak

• Swamp Cottonwood

• Black Gum

• Atlantic White Cedar

• River Birch

• Weeping Willow

• Bald Cypress

• Sycamore

• Black Tupelo

• Magnolia

The Best Water-Absorbing Shrubs

• Inkberry

• Summersweet

• Black chokeberry

• Hydrangea

• American cranberrybush

• Spice bush

• Red twig dogwood / Redosier dogwood

• Blue/Red elderberry

• Winterberry

• Sweetspire

The Best Water-Absorbing Plants and Flowers

• Daylily

• Purple Coneflower

• Bee balm

• Globeflower

• Golden club

• Japanese iris

• Primrose

• Swamp Milkweed

• Swamp Hibiscus

• Fern

• Lily of the Valley