Ecological Landscape Management Practices or BMP’s for Drainage and Water Management Strategies in Chappaqua, New York We come across water management issues daily in our work as landscape designers and design/build contractors. It seems there is either too much water or too little. Aside from our 20 point property checklist, we continuously look for signs and indicators of flow paths, wet areas or stress in the landscape environment. Sometimes these are simple and easy to improve. Obvious low lying areas that are connected to culverts, inverts or other piping should be monitored so they do not get clogged with debris. In some cases screens are recommended to exclude animals from piping. On the other hand if debris regularly clogs piping they must be cleaned more often. Larger diameter pipe is less likely to clog. Mowing is a consideration. We recommend leaving a buffer strip between the stream bed and mowed lawn. This provides both a natural physical and biological filter which significantly aides water quality. There is much more valuable info in the two courses I developed for The Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, Gardening with Storm Water and Establishing a Riparian Buffer. If you are looking to improve the appearance or function of your landscape, call today for a consultation.
