There are many types of plants that can reduce runoff of water from a property. Native plants are a good choice. Shrubs with moist soil are a good choice too. Read on for some tips on how to plant these plants. Cattails, sedges, and other weedy plants can also help. Some plants are particularly good for this purpose. You can use this information to plan the layout of your yard.
Native plants
Native plants for water runoff are great landscaping choices. Many of the plants listed here can grow in your area, including the cardinal flower, purple coneflower, and swamp milkweed. For drier sites, you can plant bergamot, sweetfern, and purple coneflower. If you’re not sure which plants are suitable for your location, you can browse nurseries in the northeast and see if you can find a suitable variety near your property.
Native plants are often the most effective plants for water runoff because of their adaptability to the soil and temperature of a region. They require less water and labor to grow and maintain than exotic plants. And because they grow naturally, they also benefit the local ecosystem, as well as human health. And since native plants are so widely distributed across the world, they provide an excellent source of food and shelter for native wildlife. Native plants also require less water and maintenance, meaning they can help reduce stormwater runoff and reduce the overall environmental impact of floodwater.
In Portland, for example, native plants can reduce the hard-surface fees for your property. The Portland Water Bureau charges a fee for each hard surface on your property. This fee ranges from $6 to $24 per month. To reduce this fee, you can install rain gardens, cisterns, rain barrels, and porous paving surfaces. The cost is minimal and well worth the added benefits for your property.
In addition to curbing water runoff, many native plants also benefit your ecosystem by providing pollen, nectar, and housing for various animals. They are responsible for more than one-third of the food pollination on the planet. And, as a bonus, they look great in your yard, too. They also attract birds and butterflies to your yard, so you’ll be helping them as well. You’ll also be doing your part for the environment, and you’ll have no regrets if you plant native plants in your yard.
Shrubs that thrive in moist soil
To prevent runoff, plant the right shrubs. Sweet pepperbush, also known as summersweet, grows in marshes, streams, and seashores. It produces long, fragrant flower spikes that attract butterflies and bees. This shrub requires plenty of moisture to thrive. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be invasive. However, it should be planted in a well-drained soil.
Abelia is one of the best shrubs for water runoff because of its salt tolerance and ability to adapt to a wide range of soil conditions. This plant can be planted in areas that collect water but are drier in between rain events. Unlike many other shrubs, abelias are drought-tolerant once they become established. Viburnums are another good choice. Prime-Ark Freedom is low-maintenance, but it has a high tolerance for salt.
If you live in a region with a lot of swampy areas, it’s best to use a wet-tolerant shrub. It’s hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 2 to 9 and has a regenerating root system. Redosier dogwood and white spruce are two other examples of water-resistant shrubs. They are both great for gardens that are prone to runoff and can provide a focal point.
The best shrubs for water runoff depend on the soil’s moisture level. Wet soils are often saturated for most of the growing season and dry only during droughts. Some sites are wet for extended periods in the fall and spring. This can make the soil seem well-drained, but is not suited to many trees. A plant that can stand high soil moisture and alkaline conditions may be a good choice.
Sedges
Sedges are a popular choice for rain gardens, green infrastructure, and ecological landscaping. They have a wide range of adaptations and are well suited for growing in many habitats. These plants grow to a height of three to four feet, can be used in full sun or partial shade, and thrive in a variety of soil conditions. In addition to being drought resistant, sedges are also good options for soil amendment.
Sedges are also known to tolerate drought and cyclical flooding better than many other species. In one study, sedges classified in the FACW and FAC categories were significantly less affected than other sedges. Further studies of other species are needed to verify these trends. Sedges are often the first choice for rain gardens. And while this may be a good start, there are many factors to consider when selecting the right plants for your rain garden.
The C. perdentata is native to Texas and is highly drought and moisture tolerant. It grows four to six inches tall and is equally suited to light or shade and most soil types. Hardy to Zone 6, it can grow well in full sun or partial shade and tolerates drought conditions in summer. However, a regular watering regime is required to maintain its health. If you’re concerned about water runoff in your lawn, a sedge might be the right choice.
The most common sedge species for water runoff are evergreen and rust-colored sedges. These species have adapted to drought conditions and aerated nutrient solutions. In the same study, Moog and Janiesch found that two species of sedges increased shoot mass and relative plant height. After 40 days, plants were subjected to a moderate drought with reduced watering, while the two species that adapted to drought conditions showed increased relative plant height and shoot mass.
Cattails
Cattails are a great option for preventing water runoff by slowing down the rate of runoff. Their stems grow from beneath the water’s surface, producing sturdy, upright stems with long, slender leaves. The flower, which resembles a hot dog, has thousands of light seeds. The plant is best used in areas where water is abundant, such as along rivers and lakes.
Common cattail, also known as broadleaved cattail, grows in damp areas such as ponds and sloughs. It forms green flowers in the spring and turns brown and falls apart in the fall. Seeds are carried by wind and disperse to new areas. Cattails are prolific weeds and the first plants to grow in muddy areas. You can even begin planting them by digging a small pond in your yard to create the perfect environment for their growth.
While cattails are one of the most iconic plants associated with waterbodies, they can also be a nuisance species. Due to their extensive rhizome system, they can spread quickly, encroaching on small waterbodies and decreasing the diversity of open water habitat. They are also known to be invasive, and many localities do not want to deal with invasive cattail.
Spraying aromatic oil to control cattails gave 87 to 92 percent control in two to three years. The herbicide used was diluted in water and oil. The ratio of oil to water in this study varied by location, but overall, the method gave temporary control. In Utah, a single application of aromatic oil per season resulted in a large reduction in cattail stand in the first year and nearly complete eradication within two to three years. Interestingly, cattails were more resistant to sprays in areas with standing water.
Tatarian dogwood
The Tatarian dogwood, Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’, is a medium-sized deciduous shrub with attractive, red stems and berries. It grows rapidly and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. The plant’s blooms and berries are attractive to butterflies and attract hummingbirds. Its medium-textured foliage is upright and turns a stunning purple-red in the fall.
The red-twig Tatarian dogwood is an excellent choice for areas that get plenty of rain. It grows to between eight and ten feet tall and has a red bark. It is a widely-grown tree and is suitable for most climates. It also grows small blueberries, which are attractive to insects. The plant can grow to six feet in width. Tatarian dogwood is a great choice for gardens, wetlands, and water runoff.
The soil pH of the area in which the Tatarian dogwood will be planted is critical to its success. Dogwood shrubs grow best in mildly acid to neutral soil, with a pH level of 5.0 to 7.5. Most garden soils fall in this range. However, the Dogwood shrub will tolerate dry periods when it is well established. It is important to note that Dogwoods require consistent moisture to establish roots.
A mature Dogwood shrub needs only supplemental watering during dry spells. New leaves will typically need soaking, especially if watering is automated. It is important to set the irrigation time for early morning hours to minimize the risk of foliage diseases and fungus. Check soil moisture levels often during the first few weeks after planting. You should also check the plants’ condition. Adding a little extra water may help to prevent a fungus or bacterial infection.