Vegetation in Swales and Ponds
Your stormwater facility was designed to function with specific plants growing. Managing vegetation in your facility requires routine attention throughout the year. Maintaining the vegetation in your stormwater facility helps to keep it looking good and functioning properly.Contact your local jurisdiction for vegetation requirements and before using any herbicide.
Where to find it:
Become familiar with all of the vegetation in your facility. Check with your local jurisdiction about specific vegetation and maintenance standards.
When to maintain it:
Routine mainteance is needed year-round and varies by season. Maintenance is most needed spring through fall.
What you'll need:
- glove and PPE
- mower (push or riding)
- weed eater
- pruners
- rake or blower
Severely overgrown vegetation may require a brush hog and/or excavator.
Tools you'll need:
Before:
and some weeds are present.
After:
or blown on side slopes. Weeds were removed.
Grass
Keep pond and swale side slopes below 12" and swale bottom 3-6". Clear vegetation around structures in your facility.
Bare spots
If bare spots exist, install sod (best), spread grass seed (difficult) or hydroseed grass. The end result must be lush grass.
Weeds
Identify weeds to learn how best to control them. Contact your local jurisdiction before using any herbicides.
Trees
Remove trees early. Some may require herbicide to prevent sprouting. Contact your local jurisdiction before using any herbicides.
These guidelines apply to vegetation in the following types of stormwater facilities. Note: vegetation in bioretenation cells may have different standards.
