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Minnesota Gutter Cleaners

March 29th, 2011 |

Author: Gerry Gardiner

Rain gardens, an easy way to save your corner of the planet

The Raingard: Their contribution to cleaner water easy

For Hoogenakker Steve, Showcase Landscape.

Many people are unaware that the rain runs into our storm sewers is not going to the municipal plant treatment. I used to, but as growing communities of greater pressure on treatment plants, cities across the country and heads off drains directly to the nearest lake or stream. In Minnesota, the pride of our natural resources is very strong, and residents are ready and willing to do their part to protect water quality.

Raingardens are a great way for owners and Townhome homeowners to protect water quality. This is a garden or garden area with a very slight depression (usually 6-8 inches). A Raingard is designed to capture rainwater from roofs, roads and streets, even allowing you to enjoy on the ground along the canals of the deep root of beautiful plants (some native and some conventional.)

Some of the benefits the AIC include an aesthetically appealing landscape feature, birds and increased activity of the butterfly, and credit for the reduction of storm water that some cities are starting to charge for! The list of benefits for the environment is long.

The current system of storm sewers contributes greatly to flooding and poor water quality in all water bodies. The water runs very fast, our natural systems can absorb. Before urbanization, rain-soaked soil. Some of it made it all the way to the aquifer and some of the slowly flowing laterally through the soil into lakes and streams. For the rain came in time to a surface water has been deleted by clean soil and microbes and cooled to the temperature that fish and other aquatic creatures to enjoy. Gutters and rainwater pipes allow too hot to remove all contaminants that accumulate on the surfaces impervious to water bodies are not capable of treat or absorb impurities and are unable to accept the volume – that leads to severe flooding. Raingardens begin to repair the natural mechanism that slows, cleanses and cools rainwater.

What's with all storm water ponds that are AIC, are not designed to protect water quality? The answer Fast yes, that was originally intended as a response to the mandate of the Clean Water Act of rain that treated on site in new construction more than five hectares. They do keep rainwater and contaminants from lakes and streams, unfortunately, only collect and concentrate the contaminants. They, like natural ponds that do not have the capacity to treat stormwater. Moreover, often monstrosities.

To intercept water rainwater is channeled directly into storm tanks (and not be served by a tampon), raingardens can be installed in the path of pipes down and close to the curb with curb cuts. These raingardens pavement to allow water to flow from the streets in the garden. They are designed to flow over the back on the street if their capacity is exceeded, not in the grass. All raingardens are designed to be dry within 24-36 hours after a storm to keep mosquitoes from breeding in them. mosquito larvae need seven to twelve days of standing, stagnant water to mature. Raingardens actually act as "traps" where mosquitoes lay their eggs on them and drops water, since it can not grow! By contrast, raingardens provide vital habitat for many desirable creatures like birds and butterflies.

The city of Burnsville recently studied the effectiveness of raingardens. 17 raingardens residential installed to capture runoff from the street and roof and measured a reduction 82% of the runoff in 2004! We measured a reduction of 90% in 2005 and a 93% reduction in 2006 – which shows that as plants mature (and structures root create more channels) to increase the infiltration rate! The city of Maplewood has raingardens actively used in reconstruction of city streets for over 10 years! Cities around the country are adopting simple raingardens to address serious problems of stormwater including Kansas City, MO (with 10,000 Raingard program launched in 20 060, Portland OR, and Chicago IL. The field work has been established and professionals have learned to make work raingardens look beautiful!

Raingardens both coast and plantations, the proper selection of plants and installation and maintenance are critical to its success. There is a wide palette of colors and textures that will tolerate water fluctuations common to these landscapes. Raingardens can be designed to be virtually indistinguishable from conventional gardens and landscapes while performing an important community service! Be sure to consult a contractor who is familiar with native plants and costs when carried out such projects.

Even if raingardens and ponds are not part of the landscape, a native garden can achieve the environmental objectives and can be incorporated into any plan. A simple butterfly garden can bring bright colors and rich wildlife an outdoor space. That require less water and fertilizer any court or weekly and thus, conserve water and other resources, and protect water quality!

If the ICC is looking for ways to help environment, it is not necessary to go far. Take a close look at how the rainfall is "treated" in your community and ask, 'Is there a better way? ".

Steve Hoogenakker is the landscape consultant or contractor with 20 years of experience working with CIC properties and can be reached at 763-213-2410 or Steve@Landscape.Pro . This article may be reproduced freely for all contact information is included Steve in the article.

About the Author

Steve Hoogenakker
Showcase Landscape

Steve Hoogenakker has 20 years in the landscaping and leadership field. He can be reached by email at Steve@Landscape.Pro.
Steve Hoogenakker, MHA, CAI, CIC Midwest, MNLA, PLANET, MTGF, Showcase Landscape, Minnesota. Delano, Minnesota

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