~From Roots to Shoots~

Over the past decade, storms have increased in their frequency and intensity. What were once considered “100 year” storms now seem commonplace. The heavy downpours have had more than one longtime client mentioning they noticed more runoff, erosion, and flash flooding in areas of their neighborhood where it was not historically an issue.

Thoughtful landscape design, including proper tree selection and placement, can slow water movement through the landscape and recharge groundwater. This will help reduce runoff and erosion.

Benefits of trees and landscaping include:

• Reducing the impervious area. Tree canopies overlapping driveways, roof lines, sidewalks and patios effectively help to slow down rainfall.
• Canopies can retain up to 7% of rain during short downpours. This allows the rainwater to evaporate back into the atmosphere.
• Trees break up the force of driving rain. Water drains down leaves and branches and soaks into the ground rather than forcefully hitting the ground.
• Leaves decompose and absorb water. In areas of the property that are left to be ‘wooded’, spongy organic layers serve to absorb water and reduce runoff.
• Tree roots prevent erosion. Roots help to stabilize the soil, especially along slopes and stream banks. In less intense rainfalls they can pool the water and allow it to be absorbed instead of washing away.