Stormwater Management

Localized flooding and erosion are occuring more frequently and on poperties of all shapes and sizes. Proper landscape practices can not only address these problems on individual properties, it can also address water pollution and improve water quality regionally. GreenWeaver's expertise assists our clients by implementing stormwater management projects such as:

Rain Gardens

Rain gardens are shallow depressions that collect stormwater from driveways, downspouts, patios, and other hard surfaces. This water is then absorbed by plants, or it soaks into the ground where it is cleansed. GreenWeaver designers and horticulturists select plants that are beautiful and can thrive in these challenging conditions. By creating rain gardens, we not only beautify a specific property, we assist in controlling localized flooding, and replenish the aquifers that supply us with water.

Permeable Hardscapes

Permeable patios, walkways and driveways provide surfaces that are functional while allowing stormwater to infiltrate, or soak into the ground. Like traditional hardscapes, the foundation is key for a long-lasting and beautiful project. The GreenWeaver team can create permeable hardscape projects using a variety of materials, from interlocking concrete pavers to natural stone.

Grading

Creating a proper grade can solve many issues, from wet basements to muddy areas in the yard. Improper grading can create a whole new set of problems, such as erosion and angry neighbors, and can exacerbate existing problems like localized flooding and water pollution.

Grading should keep stormwater away from foundations while also ensuring that there is no increased runoff onto neighboring properties. Grading is often done in conjunction with other stormwater measures such as directing water into a rain garden.

Naturalized Stormwater Basins

Traditional stormwater detention basins are designed to collect rainwater during and immediately after storms and to discharge this water into streams at a steady rate. Naturalized stormwater basins provide the added benefits of cleansing the water, reducing flooding and erosion, and creating a healthy environment for birds and pollinators. Naturalized basins not only perform better, they can also be mowed much less frequently.

GreenWeaver converts traditional, mowed basins to naturalized stormwater basins by selecting and installing appropriate native plants to provide a great aesthetic and other environmental benefits. The design, installation, and establishment phases of naturalizing a stormwater basin may last several years. GreenWeaver manages this establishment period by controlling for invasive species. We may also provide property owners with customized long-term management plans.

MS4 Compliance

GreenWeaver uses our stormwater management and horticultural expertise to assist municipalities and watershed organizations with Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance. Providing public rain garden workshops, managing volunteer stormwater installation projects, and designing and maintaining stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) on municipal property are some of the ways GreenWeaver can assist in meeting required Minimum Control Measures (MCMs).

GreenWeaver can also assist township engineers in the design and implementation of successful long-term projects by ensuring plant selection is appropriate, and invasive species are managed throughout the design and installation of stormwater BMPs.

Following installation of BMPs, GreenWeaver's Post-Construction Management Plans provide information on proper maintenance for township personnel who might be unfamiliar with these types of projects. Plant lists, maintenance schedules, and invasive species control may be included to ensure the long-term success of the project.