• TheFonz@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Grass has an extremely low runoff coefficient. The water absorption is almost on par with impervious surfaces. This is because the root system of most turf/gras systems is only a few inches deep. On the other hand native grasses, fescues, and trees are excellent for water infiltration! Rain gardens are also good choices as they promote pollinators. I’m a landscape architect --happy to answer any questions.

    Errata: meant to say high runoff coefficient --not low.

    • chiliedogg@lemmy.world
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      6 months ago

      It really depends on the specific grass and underlying soils, as you say.

      I’m the guy at the City making landscape architects and civil engineers comply with drainage and water quality regulations.

      We live off the tears of developers.

      • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Planner I’m guessing? Are you the one I’m fighting the minimum parking requirements for each project? 🥲

        • chiliedogg@lemmy.world
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          6 months ago

          Planning yes. But we fight over impervious cover over the aquifer recharge zone and building retaining walls in in conservation and drainage easements.

          And setbacks. Good god we fight over setbacks.

    • WldFyre@lemm.ee
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      6 months ago

      Low runoff coefficient means more absorption and less runoff, even sod typically has a C of around 0.3, as opposed to the 0.95 of concrete.

      I agree more natural landscaping is better!

      • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Good catch. Still, very low infiltration compared to native grasses. I have the papers on it parked somewhere.

    • ℕ𝕖𝕞𝕠@midwest.social
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      6 months ago

      My backyard slopes towards the house and during heavy rains the cellar floods which, okay, it’s a cellar with limestone block walls, it’s not supposed to be waterproof, but… is there anything I can do to make this happen less often?

      • TheFonz@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        Yes. There’s several possible approaches to redirecting storm water: You could build a french drain or you could regrade the slopes to redirect the flow around the house. I don’t want to give too specific recommendations because I don’t have a survey or am familiar with the exact conditions of your lot. I don’t think infiltration is an option in your case though. The goal is to get the water away.

        • ℕ𝕖𝕞𝕠@midwest.social
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          6 months ago

          Thanks. I figured regrading was best but I haven’t gotten around to it. It’s been less of a problem since we started putting up raised garden beds but I thought, hey, might as well ask.