Spring has nearly sprung, bringing along the usual amount of rainfall and thawing snow. All of this water results in a phenomenon known as spring runoff, and that event can wreak havoc on your lawn and gardens without proper preparation.

What Is Spring Run Off?

When heavy spring rainfall combines with thawed snow the resulting rush of water can quickly turn into spring runoff. Paved surfaces and tightly packed turf provide a barrier against this water, directing it to the storm sewers and drains.

This mad rush of water robs the grass of valuable resources, but with a little planning you can make use of the excess moisture.

Rain Barrels, Swales and Rain Gardens

The easiest way to take advantage of spring runoff is by collecting the water. Install rain barrels at the base of your downspouts and retain the liquid for future use. Water from rain barrels can be used to keep your potted plants healthy (inside and out of the house), and a collection of rain water will keep well all summer long - unless you use it first.

Your landscaper may recommend forming a swale to help direct spring runoff to the optimum place in your yard. Swales are depressions or valleys in the landscape, excavated and graded to help move precipitation around the yard and avoid flooding. French drains, an idea dreamed up by Massachusetts lawyer Henry French back in the 1800's, also help to redirect water using gravel-filled ditches.

Both swales and French drains get clogged when run off contains too much debris. Keep an eye out to make sure the water is filtering through your DIY ditch, and clear out the area when clogging becomes a problem.

Rain gardens are purposely planted in low-lying areas of the yard where spring runoff tends to congregate. Talk to your landscaper about planting wetland species in this area, and expect to see the area thrive in springtime.

Use the spring runoff to your advantage by utilizing rain barrels and having swales, French drains and rain gardens installed in your yard. With a little help from your landscaper you can capture all of the benefits this time of year has to offer.

Call John's Landscaping today! we service the following towns and surrounding area;

Stoneham, Melrose, Wakefield, Reading, Cambridge, Medford Weston, Wellesley, Newton, Concord, Lincoln, Arlington, Lexington, Winchester, Belmont, Woburn, Bedford MA