Search

Building a new office block

Five Stormwater Management Ideas That Also Add Beauty to Your Landscaping

20 June 2017

Troy Medina

If you want to protect your landscaping from erosion and your building from flooding, you need to make a path for stormwater to move through your commercial property. That task requires a lot of functional elements, but that doesn't mean it can't be pretty. Here are five stylish ideas you may want to integrate into your stormwater drainage management plans.

1. Rock Gardens

Rock gardens can showcase all kinds of rocks. You don't have to choose boring rocks. You can play with different varieties, different sizes and multiple colours. You may want to start by laying the rocks near the openings of your downspouts.

Then, build a path that encourages the stormwater to move where you want it to go. The path can wind through the property, creating an interesting visual effect, while also performing an essential functional job.

2. Trench Drains With Decorative Grates

Trenches can also be useful for moving stormwater, especially around a commercial property. Trenches may exit near municipal stormwater drains, and in some cases, they may even connect directly to the drains.

In either case, there are all kinds of decorative grates that can be put over trenches. These can come in a variety of finishes or colours, and they can feature intriguing designs and patterns.

3. Pervious Pavers

If you want to add a patio to your commercial property, you may want to consider pervious or porous pavers. They can work for walking paths, dining patios or a range of other outdoor spaces. These pavers look like regular patio pavers, and they come in a range of styles.

However, they also play an important role in stormwater drainage. The water goes directly through the pavers into the ground. This reduces the amount of water that needs to leave your property by sending some of it back toward the water table.

4. Rock Lined Ponds

In some cases, especially in very rainy areas, you may need to add a holding pond or a similar feature to hold excess stormwater. Make this area pretty by putting in a rock lined pond. When the pond is full, it may attract birds to splash about, and when it's empty, the area isn't an eyesore. Instead, it's an interesting bowl of rocks.

5. Native Plants

Finally, consider adding some native plants to your landscaping. They also help to absorb rain water while adding style. Consider flowering plants to add bursts of colour.

Share