Minimize Runoff
2. Limit Lawn Size
Natural wooded areas have multiple layers of vegetation. A canopy of tall trees, an understory of smaller trees and shrubs, and a groundcover of ferns and other plants.
Branches and leaf litter from these plants build up on the forest floor over time and break down into a layer, called duff, that covers the ground.
Duff protects the soil from the impact of rain, keeping it in place instead of letting it erode away. Roots of plants and trees also hold the duff in place. Water soaks into the ground, filtering pollutants and replenishing groundwater.
Plants and leaf litter on the forest floor lessen the impact of rain and allow it to soak into the ground instead of running off across the surface.
Lawns absorb less rainfall than natural areas.
Studies have found that areas of lawn can create more runoff than similarly sized wooded areas.
Grading a lot to create a lawn removes the natural topography of the land. Low spots where water would naturally collect and have time to soak in are lost.
Heavy machinery and equipment compact soil during construction, leaving no space for water to soak in.
Without the branches and leaves of trees and shrubs to intercept the rainfall and lessen its impact, rain hits the ground hard and runs off across the surface.
When building a new home, think about how you will use your lawn. Would you like an area for children to play? Or for a pet to exercise? Then, plan accordingly. Only create as much lawn area as you need.
If you have a large existing lawn that you don’t use, start making it smaller by planting more trees and shrubs around the edges and eventually working your way in.