How Rain Gardens Help Save Water in San Diego
Rain Gardens: A Simple Solution to Yard Drainage Issues
At Westturf, we take great pride in sustainable landscaping. Although rain gardens are usually found in wetter climates, they can also be beneficial in San Diego’s Mediterranean climate. Unfortunately, when it rains, sealed or closed surfaces such as driveways, parking lots, and walkways make it difficult for stormwater to flow toward the soil and seep into the ground. Rain gardens can be a sustainable feature in your landscape by making it easier for stormwater to flow and seep into the soil.
Rain gardens can be used as a beneficial way to collect rainwater and beautify your landscape. Let’s face it: Drought can be commonplace in our region, so collecting every drop possible every year is essential. Rain gardens are the answer if you have been searching for an attractive and practical way to conserve water.
Rain Garden Benefits
A rain garden is NOT a pond feature. In fact, the purpose of a rain garden is to hold water long enough for it to percolate into the soil. There are many rain garden benefits, which are listed below.
Conserve Water
Rain gardens can conserve water by collecting rainwater and letting it soak into the ground rather than water going into storm drains.
Reduce imported water use for your landscape irrigation
By reducing imported water use, you can lower water bills.
Prevent erosion and pollution
Rain gardens can clean water as it flows through the garden, which can help prevent erosion and eliminate pollution.
Improve water quality
Rain gardens can act as natural water filters. They can help improve water quality by removing up to 90% of nutrients and chemicals and up to 80% of sediments from runoff.
Attractive yard feature
Many rain gardens are an attractive landscape feature!
Rain Garden Design Tips
Rain garden design and planning is all about selecting the correct location. One of the best ways to do this is to observe your landscape during a rainstorm and identify existing drainage patterns. The goal of your rain garden is to direct water from the high points in your landscape and allow gravity to move it into it. So, an area in your landscape with a downslope that receives water from overland flow, or a roof is ideal.
The following are guidelines for selecting a perfect location:
- Choose a downslope rainwater collection surface.
- Make sure that it’s at least 5 feet from structures without a basement and at least 10 feet from structures with a basement.
- Make sure that it’s not over a septic system.
- Not in an already soggy area in your landscape
- In a location with full or partial sunlight
- Avoid large tree roots.
Rain Garden Design: Plants Suitable for Rain Gardens in San Diego County
Sage- Common milkweed
- Sedges and grasses
- California fescue
- Lavender
- Catmint
- Mexican bush sage
- Rosemary
Experience Quality Service. The Difference...Is Growing
Westturf manages properties with little or no chemicals and are committed to water conservation and natural pruning—for sustainable communities. Our landscape design experts can plan and build a rain garden that benefits your property. Call us at 760-650-3120 or message us online for a free quote.
Let's work together
Do you have a landscaping project in mind? is it time for a new HOA landscaping company? Westturf Landscape can help. We offer a wide range of services, from synthetic turf installation to weed and brush clearance and complete landscape transformations. When it comes to quality, efficient landscaping services, we have you covered.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Westturf Landscape Management
701 Mercantile Street
Vista, CA 92083
Phone: 760.650.3120