Landscaping Practices
Landscaping practices around the home can affect stormwater pollution. A properly designed and managed landscape can decrease the amount of stormwater runoff and help filter out pollutants from the runoff.
There are many simple, yet effective ways to design and manage your landscape to reduce stormwater pollution:
- Utilize drought tolerant native or California-friendly plants – this reduces the amount of irrigation required, which can help decrease the amount of irrigation overspray and runoff to streets.
- Choose a watering schedule that is appropriate for the time of the year – this also helps reduce the amount of irrigation required and decreases irrigation overspray and runoff to streets.
- Incorporate methods to contain some of the rain water in an attempt to reduce stormwater runoff:
- Install rain-collection barrels; and
- Point gutter downspouts towards pervious surfaces to aid infiltration.
- Appropriately apply nutrients and pesticides after other natural, cultural, or physical options have been used. Inappropriately applying nutrients and pesticides can lead to many environmental problems including increased bacteria growth.
- Fixing all breaks to the irrigation system helps to reduce the amount of water wasted and stops the transport mechanism for pollutants.
- Avoiding over watering your lawn and other landscaping to reduce excess runoff.
Gardening/Landscaping Websites
California Friendly Gardens – BeWaterWise.com
Ocean Friendly Garden Program – Surfrider Foundation
California Urban Water Conservation Council
Integrated Pest Management – UC Davis
