Before
The existing stone swale on this property was insufficient to capture the stormwater flowing from the hilltop and driveway. As a result, water pooled on the lawn, and the swale failed to provide a proper drainage to redirect the runoff. Additionally, the steep slope of a the escarpment continuously deposited debris into the swale, creating ongoing maintenance challenges. The homeowner’s attempts to establish plants on the slope to control erosion were unsuccessful, as constant runoff and the steep grade prevented the plants from developing a stable root system.
After
By expanding the river stone area and regrading the swale, we created a shallow depression that allows excess stormwater to collect within the stone bed rather than pooling on the grass. To reduce the slope's steepness, we cut into the hillside and strategically placed boulders to create leveled planting areas behind them. We then introduced a diverse selection of small shrubs, ornamental grasses, and ground cover perennials both behind the boulders and across the escarpment. As these plants mature, they will form a dense vegetative cover that helps to mitigate erosion caused by runoff. Additionally, a layer of natural bark mulch was applied to stabilize the slope, retain moisture, and suppress weed growth.