From the Introduction: "Planted stormwater retention and
infiltration practices are impor tant for reducing runoff and maximiz-
ing green space in urban areas. While a wide variety of herbaceous
plants are often successfully used in these spaces ... they can pres-
ent maintenance issues because of the need to annually cut back
dead foliage and stems. Utilizing woody plants decreases the need
for additional seasonal maintenance while successfully adding aes-
thetic and functional vegetation to stormwater retention practices."
New from the Urban Horticulture Institute!
Woody Shrubs for Stormwater Retention Practices
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic Regions
A Free 56-page Guide by Ethan
Dropkin and Nina Bassuk
Includes an extensive suggested
plant list with beautiful photos
Photos by Ethan Dropkin
Key Concept : "When selecting plants for stormwater infiltration,
common sense would seem to dictate the use of wetland plants.
However, due to the rate at which most of these practices allow
water to infiltrate, the majority of planted stormwater practices will
likely only be inundated for a few minutes after a small storm event,
and up to a day or two for a larger event. Unlike most permanent or
semi-permanent wetlands, these areas remain relatively dry most of
the time. Because of this characteristic, plants that can handle both
temporary inundation and relatively protracted drought are the best
choices for a low-maintenance planting."
ht tp ://w w w.hor t.c ornell.edu/uhi/outreach/p df s /
woody_shrubs_stormwater_hi_res.pdf
