Projects Manual

Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Rain Gardens • Conservation Landscapes • Pavement Removal • Dry Wells Permeable Pavers • Rain Barrels & Cisterns • Green Roofs • Canopy Trees RainScapes Projects Manual Table of Contents

RainScapes Overview...... 3

Rain Barrels and Cisterns...... 10

Conservation Landscaping Techniques...... 16

Dry Wells...... 24

Green Roofs...... 29

Permeable Pavers...... 33

Pavement Removal...... 38

Rain Gardens...... 44

Tree Canopy...... 55

(Page 2 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Overview

The RainScapes surfaces can account for 60 range of functions. Additional Program percent of the stormwater runoff environmental benefits of these in some areas. Runoff enters the projects include reduced energy RainScapes County storm drain (a.k.a. storm and water consumption and are watershed- sewer) system, and then enters improved air quality in our friendly ways our streams causing damage suburban landscape. to reduce to the streams and ultimately The Montgomery County rainfall runoff. the Bay by causing erosion, Department of Environmental The County’s and mixing in other pollutants Protection (DEP) is offering RainScapes Program provides such as trash, nutrients and pet rebates to encourage property information and guidance to waste. County property owners who owners (residential, commercial, are interested in protecting the RainScapes projects are and private institutional) environment. When it rains in designed to slow the runoff, to reduce runoff from their Montgomery County, some of and reduce the amount of properties by using RainScapes the water soaks in the ground. runoff and pollutants entering techniques for natural drainage Unfortunately, most of that our streams. Stormwater that projects. RainScapes techniques stormwater flows across hard soaks into the ground is filtered are onsite stormwater surfaces like driveways, roofs by the soil and replenishes management tools that reduce and patios collecting pollution groundwater and stream levels, stormwater runoff, improve the along the way, and reaching and keeps our streams healthy County’s water quality, and may our streams. Runoff from hard and able to support a wide add value to your property. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program The Montgomery County DEP • Installing rain barrels, highlighted in the County’s RainScapes Rewards Rebate cisterns, dry wells or a green RainScapes Program. Program offers financial incentives roof to replace an existing roof The RainScapes Program is in the form of rebates to property • Removing pavement funded by the County’s Water owners who install RainScapes Quality Protection Program. techniques. A property is eligible for a rebate whether it is residential property You must submit your project Eligible drainage projects include: or commercial, multi-family, or to DEP for approval prior to the • Planting rain gardens institutional property. Annual funds construction of your project. • Replacing turf grass with for the programs are limited, so After completion of an approved conservation landscaping rebates will be awarded on a first- project, you will submit your come-first-served basis. • Planting new tree canopy receipts to receive your rebate check in the mail. • Replacing existing hard This manual provides planning surfaces with permeable and installation guidance for For more information or to submit pavers homeowners about the voluntary an application, please visit www. stormwater management practices rainscapes.org

Overview (Page 3 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 7 Who is eligible? To be eligible for a County RainScapes Why are the RainScapes techniques beneficial? rebate, your residential or commercial RainScapes techniques are effective property must be located in tools that we can use to capture Montgomery County, outside of stormwater before it runs off our the municipal limits of the City of property. Too much stormwater runoff Rockville, the City of Takoma Park, or can cause flash flooding, erosion, and the City of Gaithersburg. Projects are other problems for our streams and the not eligible if they are associated with habitat that surrounds them. permit approval requirements for new building construction, additions, or The RainScapes Program promotes the use of innovative renovations. techniques to soak up or store rainwater, reduce runoff, and keep pollutants from entering our streams. RainScapes techniques are typically small-scale measures that can be Which RainScapes implemented on residential, institutional, and commercial techniques can I easily properties to manage stormwater onsite. implement on my property? These techniques offer many environmental and community benefits, which include: A variety of RainScapes techniques can help capture and soak up rainfall • Reduced stormwater runoff instead of allowing all of it to flow • Improved water quality over rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, • Improved air quality and roads as stormwater runoff. • Reduced water usage during droughts The techniques promote infiltration, reduce the volume of runoff leaving • Enhanced aesthetics your property, and reduce the • Enhanced wildlife habitat pollutants entering our streams. • Reduced energy costs to heat and cool your home Eligible RainScapes techniques are • Increased property values described on the following pages.

Rain garden in mid-summer

Overview (Page 4 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 7 These 8 techniques are eligible for RainScapes rebates: Rain Gardens Conservation Landscaping Tree Canopy

Rain gardens are Conservation Trees absorb shallow gardens landscaping rainfall through designed to replaces part of their roots and capture and soak your traditional collect rainwater up stormwater. lawn with native on their leaves plants that and branches. A have adapted to Montgomery tree canopy is created when trees Rain gardens: County’s local rainfall and soil planted near each other create • Retain stormwater and filter conditions. an “umbrella” or canopy of leaf it on the property cover that shades the ground. Conservation landscaping: • Are a good option if your Tree canopies: • Improves water quality and property has sufficient space provides wildlife habitat • Reduce stormwater runoff for the rain garden and benefits by absorbing and collecting overflow area rainfall on leaves and • Reduces the need for • Enhance the visual appeal of branches and through the mowing, which results your landscape tree’s roots in energy and air quality • Need adequate space in your benefits • Provide shade yard • Reduces the need for • Enhance visual appeal and • Need soils that drain well fertilizing increase property values • Budget can vary depending • Reduces the need for • Save energy once the tree on the size and type of plants watering becomes large enough to used, and how much of the shade the house or air • Requires regular gardening/ installation labor can be done conditioning unit maintenance by the owner • Are a long-term investment • Have maintenance • Are relatively low cost requirements that vary depending on plant selection • Require little maintenance (e.g., mulching)

Overview (Page 5 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 7 Permeable Pavers and Pavement Removal Green Roofs Rain Barrels and Cisterns

Replacing the Roofs covered Rain barrels hard surfaces on with vegetation and cisterns your property to absorb and collect and store with alternative collect rainfall rainwater from materials allows are called green your roofs. rainwater to roofs. soak into the ground below, and reduces the amount of runoff Green roofs: Rain barrels and cisterns: that leaves the property. • Capture rainfall and reduce • Are a good option if you Permeable pavers: stormwater runoff from want to re-use rainfall for the roof irrigation of grass, plants, or • Reduce stormwater runoff by garden allowing infiltration • Save on energy bills • Are a good option if roof • Are a good option if there • Are expensive (the cost can downspouts currently are large amounts of hard be recouped if you plan to discharge to a driveway or surfaces (concrete, asphalt) be in the building a long sidewalk time, as they can provide • Are more expensive than a longer roof life and • Are relatively easy to install some other techniques decrease energy costs, etc.) • Can be inexpensive • Enhance curbside appeal • Need to be properly • Require active participation; • Require proper installation designed and installed by a the rain barrel or cistern by a certified contractor certified contractor must be emptied between • Require annual maintenance • Have weight load rain events from April to with sweeping and gravel restrictions (modular November replacement systems reduce this • Reduce the use of potable problem) Pavement removal: treated water for landscaping • Does the first • Need a maintenance plan, purposes 4 items listed which includes seasonal above roof drain inspection and weeding • Decompacts the soil

Overview (Page 6 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 7 Dry Wells What are the community benefits of implementing a RainScapes technique on my property? RainScapes techniques provide community benefits in addition to the many individual property owners’ benefits. At the individual level, you may feel a sense of accomplishment for your personal contribution to improving the environment. At the community level, RainScapes techniques can beautify neighborhoods, reduce local flooding and increase desirable wildlife habitat, which can increase property values. Remember that you can implement multiple RainScapes techniques on your property to increase the benefits! By implementing these techniques community-wide, cumulative benefits can be achieved. A dry well is an underground This program is a voluntary partnership rock-filled pit effort that promotes individual actions to that collects achieve a greater reduction in stormwater stormwater from runoff to the County’s streams. roof downspouts or hard surfaces, such as driveways and filters the water What can I expect from this manual? through the ground. Each section describes a RainScapes technique; including benefits Dry wells: and incentives • Reduce stormwater runoff by • How to assess your property capturing rainfall from roofs or driveways and allowing • How to design, plan, and implement the technique it to infiltrate through • Cost and maintenance needs underlying soils • Different applications of the RainScapes technique • Are a good option if space is limited (built underground) • Additional resources • Need soils that drain well • Each property is unique and must be evaluated individually. The site evaluation for each technique is outlined for each section. • Need to be properly designed and installed by a certified contractor (except for driveway dry wells, which can be a do-it-yourself projects) • Require minimal maintenance

Conservation landscaping in Wheaton, MD

Overview (Page 7 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 7 Planning guidance »» Does your property have • How much time do you have a significant amount of for maintenance? The pre-installation planning hard surfaces? guidance below is intended • What is the landscaping look to help you determine which »» Does a lot of stormwater you want to achieve? flow off your property and RainScapes techniques will be • Do you have the equipment create a problem for a most effective for your property. needed to install the downhill neighbor? The lists below identify things to RainScapes technique? consider before implementing a »» Does a lot of stormwater • Do you want a do-it-yourself RainScapes technique. A variety flow onto your property project, or would you prefer of constraints such as setbacks, from adjoining properties? lot size, underground utilities, to hire a contractor? and drainage area should be • What is your budget? considered to determine which • Do you want to capture RainScapes techniques are water to re-use it? If so, appropriate for a particular where? property. The completed “checklist” should be submitted Ability to Reduce as part of your RainScapes Stormwater Leaving Level of Active Rewards Rebate application. RainScapes Technique Your Property Participation Cost Questions to Consider: Rain Gardens Medium Medium Medium Conservation Landscaping Medium Medium Low • What problem(s) are you trying to solve? Tree Canopy Medium Low Low »» Do you have areas of Permeable Pavement High Low High ponding water or soggy Green Roofs High Low High soil in your backyard? Rain Barrels Low High Low »» Does your basement Cisterns High Med High flood? Dry Wells High Low High

Collectively installing these practices can use runoff from your property to your advantage.

Residential lot showing a variety of runoff management techniques

Overview (Page 8 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 7 Applying for a rebate • DEP will perform a Site constraints through the RainScapes preliminary site inspection (optional for rain barrel). • Underground utilities: Program: You must call “Miss Utility” If your project is verified to identify your underground • Evaluate your property for eligibility after the DEP utilities before installing rain • Select RainScapes gardens, trees, permeable technique(s) to implement application review: pavers, conservation • Install your project within landscaping, dry wells, or • Fill out the online rebate application 6 months of the County’s anything else that requires preliminary inspection date. digging • Take “before” photographs • Call or e-mail the RainScapes • Setbacks and right of way of the proposed project area Rewards Coordinator to locations to include in the application schedule a final inspection, • Size of drainage area • Wait for approval before which typically occur within • Lot size relative to beginning the project (allow 10 business days of your call. impervious area 3 weeks for processing) • DEP will conduct a final • Slopes If your application is inspection. • Tree root zones approved: • Submit project • Shade • Contact MISS UTILITY documentation including: • Soil characteristics to mark utilities near the 1. Itemized receipts or (permeability is important for project area if you intend contractor invoices. RainScapes techniques) to install rain gardens, • Local ordinance, deeds, or conservation landscaping, 2. Sign and return homeowners’ associations permeable paver retrofit the RainScapes may have landscaping projects, dry wells, or trees. Rewards property owner restrictions agreement. If you are interested, you can participate in activities to encourage your neighbors and local businesses to install RainScapes techniques. For more information, visit www.rainscapes.org To determine which watershed you live in, visit: http://www. montgomerycountymd.gov/ dectmpl.asp?url=/Content/dep/ maps/welcometowatershed.asp to search by zip code.

Newly installed conservation landscape with rain garden on the right side

Overview (Page 9 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 7 of 7 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Rain Barrels and Cisterns

What are they? Why should I install a into the ground on your property. rain barrel or cistern? Rain barrels and cisterns collect To be eligible for a RainScapes and store a portion of the rebate, a cistern must be a stand- One inch of rainwater from your roof. The alone system for landscape rain falling on a most common type of rainwater applications and non-domestic 10-square-foot collection system used by use, and there must be sufficient roof can produce homeowners is a rain barrel. space on your lot to accomodate about 6 gallons Rain barrels come in a variety overflow. of stormwater of sizes but typically as a runoff. Roof downspouts 55-gallon container that collects typically direct the roof runoff roof runoff. Rain barrels can directly onto hard surfaces be added to any building with such as driveways, streets, and gutters and downspouts, and sidewalks that prevent the water they have an outlet that can be from soaking into the ground. connected to a garden hose When water cannot soak into the so the rainwater can be used ground, it flows over the surfaces to water landscaping plants, and enters storm drains that lawns, and gardens. All rain flow to streams. As it flows over barrels require an overflow port. hard surfaces and lawns, the Cisterns are sealed tanks stormwater picks up pollutants, that can be located above such as sediment, grease and ground, partially buried, or oil from cars, and pesticides below ground. Cisterns are and fertilizers from lawns. The larger than rain barrels and stormwater is collected in storm they can collect water from Rain barrel drain pipes that direct the flow several downspouts from one into streams, which can lead building’s roof or from multiple to downstream erosion, flash roofs if they are large enough. flooding, and water quality and Large cisterns may require a stream habitat problems. permit, so please check with the County’s Department of By collecting your roof runoff Permitting Services. When in rain barrels or cisterns, you cisterns or rain barrels are full, can reduce stormwater runoff the overflow should be directed from your property. Stormwater to a safe location away from the runoff is reduced, because you building foundation. Overflow are collecting the stormwater may also connect into a dry and allowing it to soak into well, rain garden, or other area the ground when you use it for where the runoff can infiltrate Cistern (Brookside Gardens) irrigation. When you use the (continued on page 2)

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 10 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 6 (continued from page 1) rainwater to water your gardens How to… and landscaping, you also use less potable (tap) water for this Assess Your Property purpose, which can lower your Take some time to walk around your property to assess water bills. Since rain barrels your roof gutter and downspout system. Do this when it is and cisterns collect rainwater raining, so you can see where the rain lands on your property for use on site, they can reduce and where it flows. Follow these basic steps to identify your the harmful effects to streams property’s drainage conditions: caused by large and rapid stormwater runoff flows. 1. Locate each downspout. Water collected in rain barrels 2. See where rainwater from each downspout flows. You may or cisterns is for non-potable, find that your downspouts are directed to your grassy exterior uses only; the County lawn, a landscaped area, a storm drain, or your driveway. does not currently permit If rainwater from a downspout currently flows to a grassy hooking these devices into your or landscaped area, you may not need a rain barrel because home’s sewer system for actions water is already soaking back into the ground. The best such as toilet flushing. Cisterns place for a rain barrel is where downspouts discharge onto may be connected to existing or near a hard surface, such as a driveway, sidewalk, or stormdrain systems, but it is patio, where the water cannot be absorbed. expensive to do so and a direct 3. Once you have identified downspouts for a rain barrel or connection will require a permit. cistern, you need to estimate the size of the roof area that Cisterns may require an electric contributes water to each downspout (see diagram). Based pump to empty out the water, on your observations in Step 2 of where the rainwater which may require a permit flows, estimate the drainage area (square feet) to the from the County’s DPS. Contact particular downspout. Web maps such as Google® can be the County DPS to obtain used to measure your roof areas (using the measuring tool) information about the necessary if you don’t have a site plan of your lot. Then estimate right-of-way and other applicable what percentage of the building’s total roof area this permits to connect to a public amount represents. The drainage area and percentage of storm drain system. the building’s roof area are required for the RainScapes Rewards Rebate application. See the figure below for an What are the example calculation. benefits and incentives? Calculating Percentage of Bulding’s Roof Area: The RainScapes Rewards Total roof area for building: 20 ft x 90 ft x 2 sides = 3,600 sq. ft. Rebate Program offers a rebate Downspout 1, total drainage area: 1,000 sq. ft. for rain barrels and cisterns. Downspout 1, percentage of total roof area: 1,000 / 3,600 = 0.28 (28%) See rainscapes.org for rebate 50 feet 40 feet information. As mentioned above, you can save money on your water bills by using water from your rain barrel instead of tap water to water your plants, lawns, and gardens. However, the most important reason may 20 feet be that you are doing your part to help the environment and DOWNSPOUT 1 DOWNSPOUT 2 protect your local streams and DRAINAGE AREA DRAINAGE AREA: the Chesapeake Bay. 50’ x 20’ = 1,000 sq. feet 40’ x 20’ = 800 sq. feet

To submit the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Application, please visit www.rainscapes.org.

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 11 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 6 How to… Design and Plan Sizing the Rain Barrel Determine the size of the runoff where drainage area for a particular the rain downspout, and calculate the barrel can size of the rain barrel(s) you will be placed need. slightly higher The rain barrel volume can be than the calculated for any rainfall amount using this area where equation: you will Volume (V) = Roof area for downspout x 0.083 ft use the (1 inch of rain) x 7.5 gals/cubic ft x 0.90 (to account stored for system losses). water. In Rain barrel Using downspout 1 from the illustration on the some cases, you may need to create a stable previous page, the volume of the rain barrel for 1 elevated platform out of materials such as inch of rainfall is: cinder blocks or pavers to provide enough gravity pressure at the outlet connection for Volume (V) = 1,000 sq ft (roof area for downspout 1) adequate flow and for easier access to the hose x 0.083 ft (1 inch of rain) x 0.90 x 7.5 gals/cubic ft = bibb. 560 gal. Rain barrels and cisterns must have an Based on this calculation, a 55-gallon rain barrel overflow outlet in case the tanks become full attached to downspout 1 would fill to capacity during a rain storm. The overflow should be from 0.1 inch of rainfall. directed to a safe discharge location away from Additional Guidance the building foundation. If your downspouts currently discharge into underground pipes, The assessment of your property should guide extra care must be used to size the overflow your decision of where to place your rain port and direct overflow back into the drain barrel(s). Remember that the best place to pipe. connect a rain barrel is: Do not drink the rainwater collected • At a downspout that would otherwise in rain barrels or cisterns, because it discharge rainwater on or near a hard may contain roof debris with high levels of surface that prevents the rainwater from bacteria or other pollutants. As a precautionary being absorbed into the ground measure, you may want to place a sign on your • A surface such as a steep lawn area that rain barrel or cistern that says “Do not drink!” causes the rainwater to run off before it can Collected rainwater may be used to water be absorbed vegetable gardens, but fruits and vegetables should be washed with tap water before being The sizing calculations should tell you how many consumed. rain barrels you need and how large the barrels should be. In some cases, downspouts may ALREADY be designed to meet stormwater management Rain barrels should be placed on a secure requirements (i.e., they may connect to buried flat surface adjacent to your house or garage dry wells). Modification of a downspout that and near the downspout that will be cut and has been constructed to meet SWM plan connected to the rain barrel. Rain barrels rely on requirements may be a violation of County gravity flow, so it is important to find a location SWM Code.

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 12 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 6 Can I do this project myself? Yes. For rain barrels, you can use this module as a guide. You can construct the rain barrel yourself or you can order one that is already constructed and simply install it. If I want to hire a contractor, what should I ask? • What experience do • What type of system you have installing rain would you recommend for barrels or cisterns? my property? • Are you accredited by • Do you have experience

any nationally recognized linking multiple rain Step B organizations such as barrels in series? the American Rainwater • Will you work with Catchment Systems subcontractors such as Association? electricians if needed for • Can you supply references cistern installation? from previous clients? • How long do you expect • Are you insured/bonded? the project to take? • What is included in your • Do you offer a guarantee services? for your work?

How to… Build and Install Overflow assembly While pre- Specific types of rain barrels overflow pipe size. This hole is assembled rain require specific parts, so check not needed if you use the in-line barrels can the manufacturer’s instructions diverter option. be purchased, for details. Step C rain barrels 15 Use a /16-inch drill bit to cut a are also fairly Building Instructions hole for the ¾-inch brass hose easy to construct from common Step A bibb. materials you can find at local Cut a hole in the top of your hardware and plumbing stores. barrel for the inlet drain. The The Montgomery County DEP hole should only be large enough has compiled a generic list of to allow the diverter connector hardware you will need if you to fit. Cut the hole using either decide to construct your own a drill or carefully measure and rain barrel at home. mark the area to be cut, start a pilot hole, and cut out the Materials Checklist marked area with a jigsaw. • Downspout and diverter • Overflow pipe and port Step B • Debris filter (optional) Cut a hole to accommodate the • Lawn hose connection/full overflow adapter. You may need flow valve to sand the hole somewhat larger • Blocks for the base to screw in the adapter. Expect • Silicone sealer or teflon tape a snug fit. The diameter of the hole will vary based on your

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 13 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 6 Step D Insert the threaded end of the overflow adapter insert into the overflow hole. Keep the adapter straight as you prepare to screw it into the locking ring, inside the barrel/fullflow valve.

Step E Insert the threaded hose bibb Downspout diverter and overflow adapter (on side) into the already drilled hole. Keep the hose bibb straight as you screw it into the barrel. Apply a bead of silicone caulk or wrap teflon tape around the bibb before inserting it to ensure a tight, drip-free connection.

Step F If you are using a filter on the inlet, insert it between the diverter pipe and the barrel.

Step G Attach the overflow pipe to the Downspout connection using flexible extender adapter and caulk as necessary.

Step H Attach a garden hose or soaker hose to your hose bibb.

Step I Use cinderblocks or similar pavers to elevate the completed rain barrel off the ground to ensure easier access to the hose bibb and facilitate gravity-fed drainage. Hose connection To install the barrel, you will need to cut the downspout above Your rain barrels or cisterns the top of the barrel with a hack can be left on slow drip to the designated receiving area to saw, attach a flexible downspout promote infiltration. elbow over the downspout, and position the elbow above the rain barrel inlet. Make sure your base is level. For added security, the rain barrel can be secured to the building with a strap to prevent it from being tipped over.

Hose connection

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 14 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 6 Note: Be sure to drain your rain • Periodically clean the barrel barrel at regular intervals, and • Check for leaks before the winter season. Keep • Ensure the filter screen is rain gutters clean of debris to prevent mosquito eggs and larvae intact and securely fastened from entering your barrel. Check to keep out mosquitoes and connections routinely; clean debris mosquito eggs from the grate assembly as needed. Unless the rain barrel is made of Rain barrel using in-line overflow adapter a material specifically designed Costs for freezing temperatures, it Basic do-it-yourself rain should be disconnected during barrels can cost less than $50. the winter to avoid damage. Commercial 55-gallon rain Before the season’s first frost, barrels may cost less than $100, disconnect the rain barrel from but some systems may cost as your downspouts, empty the Linked rain boxes much as $250. Commercially barrel, wash out the barrel, available rain barrels that come and store it upside down in colors to blend with your in a protected location. We landscaping or that are designed recommend that the piece of to look like wooden barrels, terra downspout that was removed be cotta urns, and other containers. saved and reconnected with a Other low-cost workshops are suitable fastener for the winter, now being offered in the area. or use an in-line diverter. Hook Check the www.rainscapes.org up the barrel in mid-April and site for rain barrel “make and disconnect it in mid-November. Aboveground small cistern with solar pump take” opportunities. Also remember to open the rain barrel spigot if you expect to The Charles River Watershed Cisterns are more expensive be away from your home for an Association’s Smart Storm because they are more complex extended period of time. Rainwater Recovery System is systems. Small cistern systems an example of a multi-system can cost hundreds of dollars approach using rain barrels and larger systems can cost Different Applications that discharge into a dry well: thousands of dollars, but they Multi-Barrel Systems http://www.crwa.org/projects/ may allow you to completely smartstorm/mainpage2.html. eliminate tap water use for Rainwater storage capacity landscaping needs and will more can be increased by connecting For More Information effectively control roof runoff. multiple rain barrels in a series. The barrels can be linked with a The Maryland Green PVC pipe, rubber tubing, or hose Building Program provides Maintenance to allow overflow from the first a vendor list for ready-made Rain barrels require basic barrel to discharge into the next rain barrels in Maryland: maintenance: barrel. You may also link them http://www.dnr.state.md.us/ • Empty the barrel between near the bottom, allowing the ed/rainbarrel.html rain events barrels to fill simultaneously. To view the Fine Gardening • Regularly check the Multi-System Approach 5-minute video How to overflow area for clogs or with Other RainScapes Build a Rain Barrel, visit other problems that could Techniques http://www.taunton.com/ prevent water from flowing finegardening/how-to/videos/ Rain barrel overflow can be freely build-a-rain-barrel.aspx directed to other RainScapes • Keep gutters clean techniques such as rain gardens, A rain barrel calculator • Remove leaves and other dry wells, or conservation is available from http:// debris from the screen at landscaping. www.greatergoods.com/ the top of the barrel rainbarrelcalc.html

Rain Barrels and Cisterns (Page 15 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 6 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Conservation PLandscaping Techniques

Why should I implement What is conservation 3. Institutes a management landscaping? plan for the removal of conservation existing invasive plants Conservation landscaping and prevention of future landscaping? is a type of landscaping that nonnative plant invasions Each year, benefits the environment Americans by improving water quality, 4. Provides habitat for spend countless preserving native species, wildlife hours tending to and providing wildlife habitat. 5. Promotes healthy air over 30 million Conservation landscaping quality and minimizes air acres of grass on replaces some of the turf grass pollution their lawns. Millions of pounds of a traditional lawn with native 6. Conserves and cleans of pesticides and millions of tons plants that have adapted to Montgomery County’s local water of fertilizer are applied annually. rainfall and soil conditions Lawn mowers use a quart of 7. Promotes healthy soils and require less water and gasoline each hour and emit as maintenance than the lawn 8. Is managed to conserve much as 10 times the amount grasses. Montgomery County, energy, reduce waste, of hydrocarbons as a typical car. Maryland is located in the and eliminate or minimize Thousands of gallons of water Piedmont region. the use of pesticides and are used to water a single yard fertilizers. during one summer. On the East The Chesapeake Conservation Coast, an estimated 30 percent Landscaping Council defines conservation landscaping of residents’ total water use is through “Eight Essential for lawn irrigation. Traditional Elements.” lawn and garden care takes time and uses non-renewable A conservation resources. What if there was a landscape: way to reduce these practices 1. Is designed while maintaining a healthy, to benefit the aesthetically pleasing landscape? environment In Montgomery County, much and function of the native topsoil is stripped efficiently and aesthetically for during the development process, human use and and if this soil is not carefully well-being replaced, many homeowners are left with soil that is mostly 2. Uses locally compacted clay. The clay is native plants typically planted with non-native that are turf grasses which lack the deep appropriate for site conditions roots to penetrate compacted Newly planted front yard turf removal project (continued on page 2)

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 16 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 8 (continued from page 1) soils, and require a great deal What are the of watering, mowing, and other maintenance to keep them green benefits and incentives? and healthy. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers a rebate for Conservation landscaping is residential properties, institutional, multi-family, or commercial able to reduce the negative properties for implementing this technique. This rebate applies to impacts on the environment the purchase and installation of container-grown plants, not seeding. associated with conventional Conservation landscaping offers many benefits to the community and lawn management. Many native the local environment, which include: plant species are deeply rooted, • Aesthetics more resistant to insects, • Improved air quality plant disease, and drought. By replacing traditional grass • Improved water quality lawns with native plants, you • Enhanced wildlife habitat can reduce the use of pesticides, • Water conservation fertilizers, and water. • Native species conservation Conservation landscaping saves • Reduced erosion you time and money when compared to many other forms • Reduced expense and time needed for mowing lawns and of landscaping. There is less applying pesticides and fertilizers to conventional gardens area to mow, so environmentally Conservation landscaping is a great way to help the environment and damaging emissions and time protect your local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. spent mowing are reduced. Native plant landscapes that To apply for a RainScapes Rewards Rebate, please visit are well-designed are easy to www.rainscapes.org maintain, visually pleasing, and environmentally friendly. Conservation landscaping benefits wildlife, the environment, neighborhoods, and homeowners. The aesthetics of conservation landscaping can vary from traditional (natural) to more formal.

Butterflies are attracted to sun-loving perennials Turf conversion to conservation landscape

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 17 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 8 How to… Assess Your Property Before adding conservation landscaping Why do you want to use conservation to your yard, assess your site’s conditions. landscaping? You want to preserve any existing beneficial • Capture stormwater runoff or sump-pump environmental features and add conservation discharge landscaping to create new native features. The success of your new native landscape depends • Attract wildlife (butterflies, pollinators, on whether you select the right plants for the etc.) right places in your yard. Carefully evaluate • Block an unattractive view your property, so you can choose plants based on their sunlight, soil, and moisture requirements. • Block winter winds Although native plants are adapted to our • Create focal points or views that can be region, it is usually beneficial to add compost to enjoyed from your home the soil at the time of planting. • Shade your home or A/C unit Take an inventory of your current landscape conditions: Other site considerations: • Identify north on your property. Your • Estimate the area needed for recreational property will receive morning sun from the space in your yard east, afternoon sun from the west, full sun • Estimate storage area needs for firewood, from the south, and full shade on the north- snow piles, lawn furniture, etc. side. Remember that trees and your house cast shade. This will help you select the • Identify any local ordinances, deed best plants for your landscape. restrictions, or homeowners’ association restrictions on landscaping • Measure your turf grass area that you wish to convert to conservation landscaping. These observations should give you an idea of where to add conservation landscaping that will • Observe how well water drains in the thrive and help to achieve your goals. proposed project location or if there is standing water after heavy rainfall.

Conservation landscape in partial shade catching runoff from Native plants, grasses and shrubs catch runoff from large ballfield at adjacent property Rockville High School

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 18 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 8 How to… Design and Plan Choosing the Area To be eligible for a rebate, at http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/ least 250 square feet of your chesapeake/pdf/chesapeakenatives.pdf lawn must be converted to or conservation landscaping. http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/ The site assessment will help nativesMD/pdf/MD-Piedmont.pdf you identify appropriate areas for conservation landscaping in your yard. • The National Park Service’s “Plant Lists for Maryland Regions” Selecting Native Plants http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/nativesMD/ lists.htm To qualify for the rebate, 75% of plants selected must be native species, which • Natural Landscaping: Designing with are plants that have adapted to local climate, Native Plant Communities, by John rainfall, and soil conditions. As a result, these Dickelmann and Robert Schuster. plants require less water and no fertilizer or To find plants that are adapted to Montgomery pesticides. The best choices of native plants have County’s climate, review the U.S. Department deep root systems that may grow up to many of Agriculture (USDA) Hardiness Zone maps, feet deep, whereas the roots of most turf grasses which divide the U.S. into zones based on typically only grow 2 to 4 inches deep. Drainage temperature. Montgomery County lies in Zone through soil will improve over time with native 7 (http://www.ahs.org). To search for plants plants. As the plants mature, the roots grow that can succeed in hardiness Zone 7, visit: longer and leave “root channels” or holes in the http://www.rainkc.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/ soil where old roots decayed. These channels plants.search/index.htm break up the soil, allowing water to flow through the channels and soak into the soil more quickly. Use these guides to select plants based on size (how tall and wide plants will grow when they Excellent resources for choosing native are mature—space them accordingly), the soil wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs by region moisture conditions you have (dry, moist, or include: wet), and the amount of sunlight your garden • The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s guide: will receive (full sun, partial shade, or shade). Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed

Before After

Complete yard conversion Native landscaping can be integrated throughout yard, along borders, edges, and entries

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 19 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 8 Developing a Planting Plan Sample List of 10 shrubs and herbaceous plants for a Sunny Include a planting plan in your rebate application. The plan Conservation Landscape should detail the plant species, container sizes of purchased plants, arrowwood Viburnum number of plants, planting densities, planting materials, and soil dentatum ‘Emerald Luster‘ amendments, and include a maintenance plan. If possible, plant or ‘Blue Muffin’ canopy, shrub, and ground layer plants in your conservation black-eyed susan Rudbeckia fulgida, landscape. hirta or triloba blazing Star Liatrus spicata bluestar Flower Amsonia tabernaemontana butterflyweed Aesclepias tuberosa New England Aster Aster novae- angliae redosier dogwood Cornus sericea sumac Rhus ‘Tiger Eye’ or ‘Gro-Lo’ switch grass Panicum virgatum thrift/ moss phlox Phlox subulata Sample List of 10 shrubs and herbaceous plants for a Shady Baptisia australis - wild false indigo is a MD threatened plant species Conservation Landscape Christmas fern Polystichum acrostichoides doghobble Leucothoe fontanesia ‘Nana’ inkberry Ilex glabra ‘Densa’ Maple-leaf viburnum Viburnum acerifolium New York fern Thelypteris noveboracensis oakleaf hydrangea Hydrangea quercifolia Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica smooth hydrangea Hydrangea arborescens spicebush Lindera benzoin Upland seaoats Chasmanthium latifolium

See also: http://www.nps.gov/plants/PUBS/ NATIVESMD/pdf/MD-Piedmont. pdf http://mastergardener.umd.edu/ files/NativePlantsofMDFeb%2005. pdf

Placement of the garden should be planned to achieve environmental and aesthetic goals

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 20 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 8 How to… plants to be planted vertically, Can I do this Add Native Plants to not on a slant. Each little project myself? terrace will soak in more water Your Landscape than the smooth face of the Yes. You can use this module Plan to install the landscaping original grassy slope. Your area as a guide. project during either the of turf conversion on the slope If I decide to hire a Spring or Fall, generally from must be fully on your property contractor, what should late March – early June, and and not in the right-of-way. I ask? September – Thanksgiving. Steeper slopes require extra Avoid planting too early in the • What experience do stabilization if turf is removed. Spring when the soil may be too On these steeper slopes, a you have planting wet, and during mid-summer conservation landscapes? better strategy is to remove when watering will be necessary. pockets of turf (as opposed to • Are you certified Woody plants may be planted all of the turf) and create the with any nationally through the winter as long as the mini-terrace planting areas. recognized landscaping soil is not frozen or saturated. organizations? The rest of the grass can be 1. Outline a conservation covered using mulch, allowing • Can you supply landscaping area with rope the existing grass roots to references from previous continue to stabilize the slope clients? or string. as the new plant root systems 2. Remove grass with a sod • Do you intend to use are developing. If you remove all cutter or spade. subcontractors? of the existing turf, you should • Are you insured and 3. Loosen soil with a tiller, plan to replant within 2 weeks to bonded in Maryland? rake, or shovel. Add 2 inches prevent erosion. of compost and till or dig in. • Do you have a portfolio Plants for slopes should of completed projects? 4. Plant native species. generally be drought tolerant. Plants at the bottom of the • What design do you 5. Place 2 inches of shredded slope however may experience envision for my hardwood mulch over wet soils and should be able to conservation landscape? garden bed. Avoid placing withstand “wet feet” in addition • Will you develop a mulch directly onto plant to drought. planting plan? stems or tree trunks. • Where will you get the 6. Water the landscaped area Turf Grass Removal plants? weekly during the first Techniques • What technique do you growing season, then in Before you can add conservation use to remove turf grass? dry periods after first year landscaping, you must prepare • What is included in your to allow plant roots to the planting bed. Several services? establish. methods are commonly used to • How long do you expect Conservation Landscapes the project to take? on Slopes • Do you offer a guarantee Converting turf banks to for your work? conservation landscapes can • Are you available reduce time spent mowing and to perform ongoing improve safety by not running a maintenance of the mower on a hill. conservation landscape if needed? Planting on a slope requires creating a series of mini-terraces • How much will your (see the graphic on page 8 of the Sod removal services cost? Tree Canopy module) that allow

(continued on page 7)

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 21 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 8 (continued from page 6) remove existing grass from your 4. Place a layer of 4 to 8 inches lawn. of compost materials over the top soil. Manual Removal with a Sod Cutter or a Shovel 5. Continue placing alternating layers of peat moss and If you don’t mind the work, compost materials until you can use a shovel to dig out the planting bed is 18 to 24 the layer of grass on your lawn. inches high. Make sure you remove the roots of the existing grass and weeds 6. Spread 4 inches of mulch on so they do not grow back. top of the “lasagna” layers. A quicker way to remove grass Common compost materials is with a sod cutter. A sod cutter include grass clippings, leaves, Completed ‘lasagna’ bed settling in to await (manual or powered) is a tool sawdust, manure, chopped up planting that slices off a thin horizontal corn cobs, wood ash, hay, and layer of sod that can be rolled up household waste such as coffee Fewer layers of compost for easy removal. Sod cutters are grounds and fruit or vegetable components could work for turf often available to rent from local peels. removal, but would not provide home goods stores or equipment as much soil conditioning. rental companies. You can recycle your sod elsewhere on your property, or you can donate Costs it in your community. Adding native plant species to your landscape is an affordable “Lasagna” Method for way to improve the environment Removal by Composting and aesthetics of your property. The “lasagna” method is Depending on the materials an easier, but slower way to selected, a typical price range prepare the planting bed for for conservation landscaping is conservation landscaping. You $0.10 to $9 per square foot. are not removing grass with this technique. You pile layers of Maintenance cardboard, compost materials, and mulch on top of your lawn Layering of ‘green’ and ‘brown’ compost Conservation landscaping components to kill the grass beneath. The requires regular gardening layering technique is similar to After creating the “lasagna” maintenance. Overall, how you would make lasagna. layers, plant the garden right landscaping with native plants away or leave the layers to break requires less maintenance than The basic steps are: down the existing grass. Over traditional lawns and gardens. 1. Cover an area of grass with 2 to 4 weeks, the height of the Typical gardening activities cardboard (such as used planting bed will decrease. When include: boxes) or newspaper (4 to 5 you plant your garden, simply • Annual mulching (no more layers). No sunlight should dig planting holes and place than 2–3 inches) reach the grass below the plants directly into the “lasagna” paper. garden bed. • Weeding (by hand) • Watering (if it has been 2. Water the paper. If you are using this method, more than 3 weeks without consult with RainScapes staff on 3. Add 2 to 3 inches of moist rain) your project timeline before you topsoil or peat moss over the • Pruning (as desired) paper. begin. Remember: pesticides or fertilizers are generally not required.

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 22 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 7 of 8 Different Applications

The Maryland Native Plant The Chesapeake Conservation Society also lists native plant Landscaping Council, nurseries in the Mid-Atlantic Conservation Landscaping region: Guidelines: The Eight http://www.mdflora.org/ Essential Elements of publications/nurseries.html Conservation Landscaping: http://www. How to Avoid Deer chesapeakelandscape.org/ Damage: Guid1207%20.pdf A list of deer-resistant plants is U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, provided on page 73 of the U.S. Native Plants for Wildlife Fish and Wildlife Service’s guide: Habitat and Conservation Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay and Conservation Landscaping: Watershed: A more formal front yard Chesapeake Bay Watershed http://www.fws.gov/ To download or order a free copy, chesapeakebay/BayScapes/ visit: bsresources/bs-nativeguides. http://www.fws.gov/ html chesapeakebay/BayScapes/ The “Lasagna” Method for bsresources/bs-nativeguides.html Turf Grass Removal: http://tbmastergardeners. How to Avoid Invasive homestead.com/Handouts/ (Non-Native) Species: LasagnaGardening.html Review the National Park http://organicgardening. Service and U.S. Fish and about.com/od/ Wildlife Service’s guide, Plant startinganorganicgarden/a/ Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural lasagnagarden.htm Areas: http://ourgardengang.tripod. Newly installed conservation landscape with http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/ dry wells pubs/midatlantic/ com/lasagna_gardening.htm Grow Native! Provides Additional Resources on various designs using native For More Information Conservation Landscaping: plants landscape: http://www.grownative.org Where to Buy Native Brooklyn Botanic Garden Links Plants: to Sustainable Techniques: Invasive Plants: A Guide to http://www.bbg.org/gar2/topics/ Identification, Impacts and Most local nurseries carry sustainable/ Control of Common North native plants. The U.S. Fish American Species by Sylvan U.S. Forest Service, Native and Wildlife Service Web Ramsey Kaufman and Wallace Gardening Web site: site lists some native plant Kaufman nurseries in the Chesapeake http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/ Bay watershed: nativegardening/index.shtml Bringing Nature Home: How you can Sustain Wildlife with http://www.fws.gov/ U.S. Forest Service, Wild Ones: Native Plants by Douglas chesapeakebay/BayScapes/ Landscaping with Native Plants: Tallamy bsresources/bs-nurseries.htm http://www.epa.gov/greenacres/ wildones/wo_2004b.pdf

Conservation Landscaping Techniques (Page 23 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 8 of 8 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Dry Wells

Why should I install a What is a dry well? dry well? A dry well collects stormwater from rooftops or hard surfaces such as your driveway. An underground pipe directs runoff from Directing roof or roof downspouts into the dry well. The dry well is an underground driveway runoff area that is filled with stone or gravel. Once water enters the dry to a dry well well, it passes through the stone or gravel and then seeps into the is an effective underlying soil. Dry wells often use filter fabric to keep separation way to reduce between the stone and surrounding soil. Dry wells reduce stormwater stormwater runoff, promote infiltration and groundwater recharge, runoff from your property, and filter pollutants. Sometimes a proprietary storage device is used because you are capturing the to increase storage efficiency and decrease the footprint of the dry stormwater and allowing it to well. soak into the ground. Dry wells are underground features that work well in areas where space is limited. Dry wells generally do not impact the visual appeal of your property as they are located along your driveway or underground and may be covered with soil and sod or other shallow-rooted plants. Downspout What are the benefits and incentives? Dry wells reduce the amount Overflow of stormwater runoff and pollutants leaving your property, Crushed Stone which can reduce downstream erosion, flooding, and water quality and stream habitat problems. Landscape Fabric To learn more about the RainScapes Rewards Rebate, please visit www.rainscapes.org Dry Well for Roof Runoff

Dry Wells (Page 24 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 5 How to…

Assess Your Property 50 feet 40 feet Assess your roof gutter and downspout system by walking around your property. Make your observations when it is raining, so you can see where the rain lands on your property and where it flows. Follow these basic steps to identify your site’s drainage 20 feet conditions: To Collect Roof Runoff DOWNSPOUT 1 DOWNSPOUT 2 DRAINAGE AREA DRAINAGE AREA: 1. Locate each downspout and determine 50’ x 20’ = 1,000 sq. feet 40’ x 20’ = 800 sq. feet where each downspout directs the rainwater. You may find that your Downspout 1, total drainage area: 1,000 sq. ft. downspouts are directed to your grassy Downspout 1, percentage of total roof area: lawn, a landscaped area, a storm drain, 1,000 / 3,600 = 0.28 (28%) or your driveway. If a downspout currently discharges to a grassy or To Collect Driveway Runoff landscaped area, you may not need a Linear dry wells (infiltration trenches) can be dry well because some of the water is added along driveways to collect and infiltrate already soaking back into the ground. runoff. You can capture runoff from part of your Dry wells should not be placed in poorly driveway using a trench drain or capture runoff draining soil or placed perpendicular from the entire driveway by relying on the slope of to steep slopes. The best place for a dry the driveway to send water to a dry well that runs well is where downspouts discharge on along the side of the driveway. or near a hard surface where the water cannot be easily absorbed (i.e., driveway, sidewalk, patio, poorly draining soils, etc.), or where the neighbor’s yard is close and drainage is an issue. 2. Once you have identified downspouts for a dry well, you need to estimate the size of the roof area that contributes water to each downspout (see diagram). Based on your observations in Step 2 of where the rainwater flows, estimate the drainage area (square feet) to the particular downspout. Then estimate Dry Well what percentage of the building’s total roof area this amount represents. The drainage area and percentage of the building’s roof area are required for the RainScapes Rewards Rebate application. See the figure below for an example calculation. Calculating Percentage of a Building’s Roof Area: Total roof area for building: 20 ft x 90 ft x 2 sides = 3,600 sq. ft.

Dry Wells (Page 25 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 5 How to… Design and Plan

Determine locations on your property where excess water could be routed for infiltration. Make sure you have enough space to fit a dry well on your property. The Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) recommends the following sizing for dry wells that collect roof runoff. It is recommended that a dry well that is deeper than 2 feet be dug by a qualified professional.

Dry Well Size Roof Square Footage (length by width by depth in feet)

100 3 by 3 by 3.5

200 4 by 4 by 3.5

400 6 by 6 by 3.5

500 6 by 6 by 4

1,000 9 by 9 by 4

Linear Dry Wells by Driveways A do-it-yourself option for dry wells is a linear dry well. While the dimensions of a linear dry well along a driveway may vary, it is recommended that linear dry wells be approximately 1-foot wide and no more than 2-feet deep and be located to capture runoff from the driveway. Follow these basic steps to identify the best location in your yard for a dry well: • Before digging, have underground utility lines marked by calling “Miss Utility” at 1-800-257-7777 or submitting an Internet Locate Request for homeowners at http://www.missutility.net/iticlite/ • Avoid marked underground utilities by installing the dry well at least 4 feet from a marked utility line • Locate your dry well a safe distance from adjacent buildings and properties to provide a safe overflow area: »» Downhill of building foundations or basements

Distance From Length

Property lines 5 feet

Downslope from foundations 10-20 feet

Septic fields 30 feet

Well locations 100 feet

Buildings downhill of dry well 25 feet

Dry Wells (Page 26 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 5 Can I do this How to… project myself? Build and Implement Standard dry The Montgomery County Dry Well to Collect Driveway wells must Department of Environmental Runoff be installed Protection (DEP) is currently A linear dry well placed along a by certified accepting rebate applications for driveway may be installed as a contractors to two types of dry wells: standard do-it-yourself project. be eligible for dry wells that collect roof runoff the RainScapes rebate. Linear and linear dry wells that collect Installation steps include: dry wells along a driveway may driveway runoff. Both types • Dig out the dry well. be installed as a do-it-yourself of dry wells have construction project. details developed by the • Line the sides of the well Montgomery County DPS. These with landscape fabric. If I decide to hire details are provided at the end of • Fill the well with crushed, a contractor, what this module. clean stone. You can place questions should I ask? Dry Well to Collect Roof Runoff decorative stone above the • What experience do you clean stone. have installing dry wells? Once you have selected the appropriate site for the dry If you choose to use a pre- • Are you certified with any well, your contractor may need fabricated or proprietary nationally recognized to reroute your downspout. If dry well, check with DEP organizations? necessary, they may cut the RainScapes to verify that it is • Can you supply references downspout, attach an elbow over County-approved. from previous clients? the downspout, and connect the • Are you insured? elbow to a perforated pipe. • What is included in your services? • What type of system would you recommend for my property? • Will my dry well need an overflow drain? • Do you intend to use subcontractors? • How long do you expect the project to take? • Do you offer a guarantee for your work? • Are you available to perform ongoing maintenance of the dry well if needed? • Can you confirm whether a permit will be needed? • How much will your services cost?

Dry well paired with conservation landscape

Dry Wells (Page 27 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 5 Costs Different Applications For More Information Depending on the size of the Multi-System Approach with dry well system, costs vary, but Other RainScapes Techniques http://permittingservices. are typically at least $1,500 montgomerycountymd. Dry wells can help absorb the including installation. gov/permitting/pdf/ overflow from other RainScapes DrywellRoofDrain.pdf techniques such as rain barrels Maintenance or green roofs. http://permittingservices. montgomerycountymd. Minimal routine maintenance is The Charles River Watershed gov/permitting/pdf/ required for a dry well: Association’s Smart Storm DrywellDriveway.pdf • Remove debris from roof Rainwater Recovery System is gutters and dry well. If an example of a multi-system A list of contractors who debris is significant, or tree approach that uses rain barrels/ have completed the DEP’s canopy is an issue, a debris cisterns that discharge into a RainScapes Training filter in the gutter system dry well: http://www.crwa.org/ Seminar is provided at may be necessary to prevent projects/smartstorm/mainpage2. www.rainscapes.org clogging. html. As a reminder, dry wells • Clean and repair inlets and and other Stormwater outlets. Management practices that • Visually assess to ensure are required by DPS through that water is infiltrating the County permitting and the dry well has not process are not eligible for become clogged. Excess RainScapes Rebates. debris on top of the dry well can be removed by hand. Clogged dry wells should be refurbished or replaced. • Weed, if needed.

Dry Wells (Page 28 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 5 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Green Roofs

Why should I install a What is a green roof? green roof? A green roof is a rooftop partially or completely covered with a Typical rooftops specifically designed soil and are hard vegetation system. Green roofs surfaces that create living green spaces on Green roof tray system cannot absorb top of buildings and structures rainwater, so that help to capture rainfall and Extensive green roofs are they contribute reduce stormwater runoff. This designed to be lightweight and to stormwater runoff and captured water may be used to maximize the performance increased pollution to streams. by plants on the roof, released and environmental benefits A green roof on a house or back to the atmosphere through that a green roof can bring to a building allows rainwater to be evaporation, or it can be building. Extensive green roofs absorbed by the plants and soil reused in other locations on the feature a layer of growing media that are incorporated on the property. that is 6-inches deep or less and roof. This plant-based living Green roofs are a roof system are planted with drought-tolerant roof reduces the amount of that includes a waterproof plants. Extensive systems require water leaving the property. This membrane, filter fabric, drainage less maintenance and have RainScapes technique reduces layer, root barrier, growing simpler irrigation and drainage the environmental impact of medium (soil), and plants. Green systems, if they have any at a building roof, and usually roofs may be constructed using all. Existing roofs on porches, provides energy savings and modular units that contain all garages, sheds, and sunrooms maintenance benefits. components listed above, or the are excellent candidates for components may be installed extensive green roof retrofits. Each green roof is unique and step-by-step directly on the the type of benefits it provides (continued on page 2) building’s roof deck. will vary depending on the type of system installed. Studies have The two main types of green shown that 50 to 60 percent of roofs are extensive or intensive annual rainfall at a site can be green roofs. captured by green roofs, which Extensive green roofs are significantly reduces runoff and typically lighter and thinner, harmful downstream ecological which makes them more suitable and environmental effects. to residential properties, while intensive roofs are thicker, heavier, and are designed to support trees and larger shrubs.

Green roof tray system

Green roof tray system - UMD Shady Grove campus

Green Roofs (Page 29 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 4 (continued from page 1)

Currently, only extensive green What are the In a typical roofs constructed on existing benefits and incentives? neighborhood, buildings (retrofits), whether more than half of applied in an integrated Green roofs capture rainfall, and slow and reduce the impervious approach (replacing the existing runoff. As stormwater filters through the soil area is from roof and applying the layered and is taken in through plant root systems, rooftops. components directly onto the pollutants are absorbed, reducing the volume of roof’s surface) or in modular pollutants that enter nearby streams. Water (that is not used by units (placed on top of the the roof plants or released to the atmosphere) is filtered and can be existing roof), are eligible for directed to other RainScapes techniques such as dry wells or rain rebates under the RainScapes gardens, which provide additional treatment and infiltration. Excess Rebate Program. Green roofs water may also be directed to and stored in rain barrels or cisterns for new construction are not and used for irrigation of the roof itself or other landscaped areas in eligible for rebates at this time. times of little rainfall. By doing things like this, the amount of runoff from your property is greatly reduced, which can help to protect your community’s stormdrain system. Green roofs provide building insulation, which often results in decreased heating and cooling costs. The soil and plants of a green roof protect the building’s roof membrane from ultraviolet rays that break down conventional roofs. For this reason, green roofs have been shown to last up to twice as long as conventional roofs, reducing overall replacement and maintenance costs. A green roof enables you to play a role in preserving the environment and conserving water resources. This practice may also increase your property value through increased visual appeal and lower energy bills. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers a rebate for residential applications and commercial, multi-family, and institutional applications. To see the requirements and submit the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Application, please visit www. rainscapes.org

Shed green roof in shade

Green roof on addition Steeper roof applications need a more Parts of a green roof engineered approach

Green Roofs (Page 30 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 4 How to… contractor to prove that the green roof will capture the Assess Your Property required runoff. A statement on the structural analysis will also A qualified roofing contractor, who may be assisted by a be provided by the contractor. landscape architect, is critical to the success of your system. A contractor who is experienced in green roof installations may Can I do this project assist with the selection of materials and placement of products, myself? and help you assess your property. When considering installing a green roof you should evaluate the condition of your current roof Green roofs are not and have a licensed professional evaluate its structural capacity. recommended as a do-it-yourself The amount of weight (load) your roof can sustain will determine project. To be eligible for the the type of green roof product to select as well as whether you RainScapes Rebate, a certified can cover the entire roof or only a portion of the roof. The load green roof contractor must capacity of your roof will also determine the maximum soil depth install your green roof. your system can have. The roof must be designed with a minimum of 4 inches of soil but no more than 6 inches, What should I ask a to qualify for the rebate. You will also need to determine the potential contractor? slope and amount of drainage from your current roof. If your • What experience do you building has a flat roof, you will need an additional drainage have installing green roofs layer and steeper roofs will require additional tools to hold soil in (modular units or integrated place. While it is possible to install a green roof on rooftops with systems)? slopes of up to 40 degrees, a 5 to 20 degree slope is optimal to ensure excess runoff can drain naturally. • Are you certified with any nationally recognized If a green roof is feasible, assess the amount of sun and wind organizations? exposure your green roof is likely to experience. Green roofs are most successful with full or partial sunlight. Your plant • Are you a licensed roofing selections will depend on these factors, as well as the amount contractor, architect, of rainfall the roof is to receive and the soil depth your roof landscape architect, or can support. It is also important to consider maintenance and engineer who can perform accessibility of the system, and the amount of maintenance a structural load analysis to required for the plants you select. To receive a rebate you determine the feasibility of will also need to ensure that your green roof area is at installing a green roof on my least 300 square feet or one-quarter of the roof area existing roof? (whichever is smaller). The green roof must also replace • Can you provide a runoff an existing roof area rather than expand the original calculation report for this roof footprint. For more information, please see the rebate roof? application at rainscapes.org. • Can you supply references How to… from previous clients? Design and Plan • Do you intend to use subcontractors? While a qualified green roofing and slope of roof, maintenance, contractor will help with and presence or absence of • Are you insured and bonded determining the design of your an irrigation system. Your in Maryland? green roof, you may also need to contractor will determine your • Do you have a portfolio of involve a landscape architect for maximum capacity, but the most completed projects? assistance with the landscape consistent storage for extensive design and plant selection. green roofs occurs in those with • What design do you envision Plant selection should be based soil depths of approximately for my green roof? on climate, type and depth 4 inches. A runoff calculation »» What types of plants do of growing medium, loading report must be prepared by the you typically use? capacity of your roof, height certified green roof designer/ (continued on page 4)

Green Roofs (Page 31 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 4 (continued from page 3) »» Who installs the drainage through the Montgomery County Different applications systems for your green Department of Permitting roof design? Services. Extensive green roofs may be installed as integrated systems • What is included in your This is separate from the that are applied directly on the services? RainScapes application and roof’s surface in layers, or they • How long do you expect the must be done prior to rebate may be installed in modular project to take? processing. units. Each type has benefits and limitations, and your contractor • Do you offer a guarantee for can help you choose the type that your work? Costs is right for your application. • Are you available to perform Costs for green roofs will ongoing maintenance of the vary widely depending on the green roof if needed? application selected, the size For more information of the area to be planted, and • How much will your services Green Roofs for Healthy the planting materials. Costs cost? Cities for extensive green roofs vary www.greenroofs.org from $10 to $30 per square Build/Implement foot depending on the type of GreenSave Calculator (long- Installation of a green roof system, structural support, and term costs and benefits of requires a qualified roofing plantings. Initial costs for green green roofs compared to contractor with experience in roofs are generally higher than traditional roofs) green roof installation to install traditional roofs, and retrofits http://www.greenroofs.org/ the non-living components. may make projects more costly index.php?option=com_cont Whether it is a modular due to load limitations, but long- ent&task=view&id=626&Ite interlocking grid system or an term savings can offset these mid=116 costs. integrated system in which Ecoroof recommended plant components are installed directly list on the roof surface, a green roof Maintenance http://www.portlandonline. consists of several layers. From Green roofs are designed to com/shared/cfm/image. top to bottom a typical green withstand harsh conditions and cfm?id=55831 roof consists of a vegetation most require little maintenance. layer, growing medium “Green Your Garage: They may need to be irrigated (soil), soil retention barrier, Volume 1” http://roofbloom. during initial seasons until roof barrier, drainage layer, org/roofbloom-vol1-082007. plants are established and filter fabric, and waterproof pdf during extreme drought periods. membrane. The separation Although, plant selection can Modular Green Roofs layer protects the membrane help reduce the amount of www.greengridroofs.com from root penetration, and irrigation required. If irrigation the membrane itself protects is necessary, sprinkler systems or the roof from leaks. The membranes that store rainwater contractor must certify that can be installed. The water a licensed professional has passing through the system performed a structural load can be captured through other analysis for the green roof, and RainScapes techniques and this documentation must be used for irrigation as mentioned submitted with your RainScapes above. Pesticides should not application. Any extensive green be used. The roof should be roof that requires a modification monitored closely to make sure to the roof’s structure must vegetation remains healthy and undergo a building permit review that weeds are controlled. Green roof plants

Green Roofs (Page 32 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 4 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Permeable Pavers

Why should I choose What are permeable pavers? permeable pavers for Permeable interlocking pavers are connected blocks with my hard surfaces? materials such as stone or Patios, gravel that let water pass sidewalks, and through, filling the gaps between driveways are the paving blocks. Replacement hard surfaces of traditional concrete or asphalt that prevent driveways with permeable water from interlocking pavers allows soaking into the ground. Various rainwater to naturally filter through the ground and reduces changes, or retrofits, can be Patio retrofit applied to these hard surfaces to stormwater runoff. help prevent stormwater runoff Permeable interlocking and pollutants from entering our concrete pavers provide a streams. An effective retrofit to strong, solid surface. They reduce runoff from residential can be installed on driveways, properties is the installation of walkways, and patios and permeable interlocking pavers. can also serve as attractive landscaping features, raising Permeable pavers property values. • increase onsite infiltration and reduce runoff • are easy to install • can be an effective alternative Permeable surfaces address important environmental issues and support sustainable living. They not only have a positive environmental impact, but can also be economical and function well with little or no maintenance.

Sidewalk retrofit Driveway retrofit

Permeable Pavers (Page 33 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 5 What are the How to… benefits and incentives? Assess Your Property Installing permeable interlocking Follow these basic steps to assess your property pavers on your property reduces and determine the best location for a permeable the stormwater contribution to interlocking paver project: our streams from driveways, walkways, and patios. The site 1. Locate your property’s hard surfaces. Are there large areas drainage improvements you of driveways or patios where you would like to improve make with these techniques can either rainwater infiltration or visual appeal? Consider be cost effective. You will play that the area may need to have a gradient or slope, away a positive role in preserving from your foundation. the environment and water 2. If you choose to install permeable pavers, determine if resources. Replacing hard there is adequate space for them to meet the minimum surfaces that do not allow water eligible project size. The minimum project size to to infiltrate with permeable receive a rebate for residential properties is 150 interlocking concrete pavers square feet of existing hard surface that will be have also been shown to increase converted to permeable pavers. property values. 3. Assess your current landscaping features and choose To receive a rebate for this products that will enhance the overall character of your technique for residential property. Permeable interlocking pavers can be decorative properties, you must hire a as well as functional. certified contractor and 4. Choose a location where the practice best fits your budget. convert a minimum of 150 Larger applications will result in a higher cost. Smaller- square feet of hard surface to scale projects may be more practical if you are looking to a permeable interlocking paver start simple and are working with a smaller budget. surface. To receive rebates for commercial, multi-family, 5. You do not want to use pavers in areas that accumulate a and institutional properties, lot of sediment and debris. They can clog and not let the a minimum of 450 square water infiltrate. feet of hard surface area must be converted to permeable interlocking pavers. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers a rebate for residential, commercial, multi-family, or institutional lots. To see the requirements and submit the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Application, please visit www. rainscapes.org

Brookside Gardens permeable walkway Cross-section of permeable paver system Photo credit: Jann Rosen-Queralt

Permeable Pavers (Page 34 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 5 How to… Design and Plan Can I do this project myself?

The installation of permeable • Do you install permeable pavers manually interlocking pavers is not or mechanically? recommended as a do-it- yourself project. To be eligible • Can you supply references from previous for a RainScapes rebate, clients? you must use a qualified • Do you intend to use subcontractors? contractor to install your permeable interlocking pavers, unless you • Are you insured and bonded? can demonstrate that you meet the DEP’s • Do you have a portfolio of completed minimum criteria. projects? What should I ask a potential contractor? • What is included in your services? • What experience do you have installing »» Will you haul away excavated material? permeable interlocking pavers? »» Will you provide all equipment needed? • Are you certified to install permeable • How long do you expect the project to pavement by any nationally recognized take? organizations such as the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute? • Do you offer a guarantee for your work? • What is your experience assessing soil types • Are you available to perform ongoing and amending soils if necessary? maintenance of the permeable interlocking pavement if needed? • What is your experience with soil reinforcement or stabilization techniques? • How much will your services cost? • What design do you envision for my Various landscaping, soil type, and drainage permeable interlocking pavement retrofit? issues must be considered as they can affect the stability of the surface and rainwater »» What type of system will be the most infiltration. Once the location has been effective and visually pleasing? selected, evaluate what type of system will »» What type of materials should be used be the most effective and visually pleasing. to fill the gaps between permeable Your certified contractor can help you select a interlocking pavers? system that works best for your needs. »» What type of edge restraint will be used? • Do you typically install underdrains in permeable interlocking paver projects?

Permeable patio Driveway showing transition from impermeable to permeable

Permeable Pavers (Page 35 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 5 How to… Build and Implement Installation requires an vibrating tools. Once the experienced contractor, paver system is laid, holes equipment, and proper or voids are filled with technique. the material you have chosen: pea gravel, or Once you have selected your Before washed aggregate. The location and determined the choice of material will vary technique that best fits your depending on the final look landscape, your contractor desired. should outline the project area. Here are some items to consider • The use of edge restraints and discuss with your contractor: made of plastic, pre- cast concrete, steel, or • You and your contractor aluminum should be used to should consider underlying keep pavers from moving or soil types when selecting separating. any of these applications, and amend the soil as needed to promote Do not use sand on permeable infiltration. interlocking concrete pavers During because it will clog the • Careful attention pavement joints. Use deicing should be given to any salt or washed #8 stone. soil reinforcement or stabilization needs, so soil does not wash onto and clog the area between the pavers. Costs • Permeable interlocking Costs for permeable interlocking pavers should be placed paver projects will vary widely at least 10 feet away from depending on the application foundations. selected, the size of the area After chosen, and the condition of • Slopes of less than 5 percent soils. Typically, permeable contractor for maintenance are easier and less costly to interlocking concrete pavers cost needs. Some natural buildup design and build. approximately 20% more than of vegetation or sediment may traditional concrete pavers. occur over time in paver gaps, • If an underdrain is installed and it may be necessary to to collect water that seeps clean out and replace the filler through the permeable Maintenance material. Dirt, debris, fall leaves, pavers, the underdrain Permeable interlocking and sand from winter activities should discharge into your pavers do not require a lot of can clog the paver gaps. Refer landscape, rather than the maintenance when installed to the selected manufacture’s street. properly. Regular cleaning recommendations for proper • Pavers can be installed and sweeping of your pavers maintenance. The permeable manually or mechanically, is recommended. A wet/dry interlocking pavers should be depending on the type vacuum may also be used to inspected frequently, especially selected. The joints and remove surface clogs. After after a large storm event, to drainage holes are filled sweeping or vacuuming, sweep ensure that the drainage spaces with pervious materials fresh, washed, #8 stone into are not clogged, or that the using sweeping and the clean joints, or call your gravel has not washed away.

Permeable Pavers (Page 36 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 5 For More Information Numerous product vendors sell permeable pavers. Area installation contractors may be able to assist in product selection. A list of contractors who have attended the DEP’s RainScapes Training Seminars is provided at http://www.rainscapes.org A comprehensive list of national paver products and contractors is available at http://www.paversearch.com/index.htm or http://www.icpi.org/homeowners/find_installer.cfm

These resources may be helpful for your contractor to review: Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements http://www.ncsu.edu/picp/ Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Specification developed by the Low Impact Development Center http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/epa03/pavespec.htm New Jersey Stormwater Best Management Practices Manual: Standard for Pervious Paving Systems http://www.njstormwater.org/tier_A/pdf/NJ_SWBMP_9.7.pdf Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute http://www.icpi.org/ Design specifications developed in coordination with the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute are provided at rainscapes.org.

Permeable Pavers (Page 37 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 5 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Pavement Removal

Why should I remove What are the benefits and incentives? pavement from my The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers a rebate payment for converting a minimum of 100 square feet on property used property? for residential purposes and a minimum of 300 square feet for a Replacing commercial, institutional, or multi-family property. Your rebate amount pavement with will be calculated per square foot of pavement converted to turf. If the turf, native pavement is replaced with native plant species, your rebate will be plants, or calculated at a higher dollar amount per square foot. Visit rainscapes. native trees can org for additional rebate details. help prevent Replacing pavement with stormwater runoff and natural vegetation offers pollutants from entering our many benefits to the streams. This water that runs community and the local off can carry pollutants such environment, which include: as dirt, lawn care fertilizer and • Improved aesthetics with chemicals, pet waste and trash more green space into our streams. Depending on how your yard is graded, • Improved air quality the water flowing from these • Improved water quality paved areas may be leaving • Enhanced wildlife your property and entering habitat the stormdrain system or causing drainage concerns for • Native species a neighbor. By reducing the conservation amount of rainwater leaving • Reduced stormwater your property, you can help runoff improve local streams by reducing stream channel erosion • Reduced erosion and water pollution. Reducing Pavement removal is a paved surfaces also supports great way to help the sustainable living, and adds environment, restore the attractive landscaping to the natural water cycle, and area. protect your local streams and the Chesapeake Bay. To apply for a RainScapes Sidewalk pavement removal - recycled sidewalk into a stacked wall Rewards Pavement Removal Rebate, please visit www.rainscapes.org

Pavement Removal (Page 38 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 6 How to… Assess Your Property Follow these basic steps to assess your property: 1. Locate your property’s hard surfaces. The next time it rains, go and look at where the rainwater goes after it lands on the surfaces. Look for opportunities to better manage the water runoff. Your home may have more paved surfaces than you need or even want to maintain. Are there patios, driveways, or walkways that could be replaced by vegetation? Did a previous owner pave extra parking Remove center of driveway to reduce paved area space that you do not use? Consider narrowing your walkways, making your patio smaller, or reducing your driveway to two paved tire tracks with gravel or vegetation in the middle to let the rain soak into the ground. 2. Measure the hard surface area you wish to convert to natural vegetation. Determine if there is adequate space to meet the minimum eligible project size. To receive a rebate, the minimum project size is 100 square feet for residential properties and 300 square feet for commercial, institutional, and multi-family properties. 3. Before removing any pavement, decide what type of landscape project Create a conservation landscape after removing pavement you would like to use to replace the pavement. Options for driveways include a grassy strip, short native plants or, when appropriate, gravel. For pavement removal areas that are not driveways, trees or conservation landscapes are recommended.

Remove excess driveway and create area to soak in downspout drainage

Pavement Removal (Page 39 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 6 How to… Design and Plan Can I do this project myself? Yes. Removing pavement can be labor-intensive, the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. They are but you can rent equipment and use this module best adapted to local climate, rainfall, and soil as a guide. conditions. Review the Conservation Landscaping RainScapes module for instructions on how to select native plants. The sample lists of 10 native shrubs and herbaceous plants for sunny and shady landscapes can get you started on choosing plants. Review the Tree Canopy RainScapes module for Hiring a contractor to remove pavement a list of approved tree canopy species. You could If I decide to hire a contractor, what also plant smaller trees for this rebate planting should I ask? project. • What experience do you have with Reserving equipment removing, disposing and replacing Contact your local equipment rental service for pavement with vegetation or permeable a walk-behind pavement saw or jackhammer, surfaces? pick axe, or excavator, depending on your needs. • Can you develop a planting plan? What experience do you have with native plants? Wear proper personal protective equipment • Can you supply references from previous clients? Wear a facemask and protective goggles to prevent pieces of pavement from contacting • Are you insured and bonded? your eyes, nose, and mouth while you work. • What is included in your services? Wear appropriate clothing/footwear and use ear protection as needed. You can buy these items at »» Will you haul away excavated materials? local home improvement stores. »» Will you provide all equipment needed? Consider how you will dispose or reuse • How long do you expect the project to take? your pavement: • Do you offer a guarantee for your work? • Recycle materials on-site • How much will your services cost? • Use the Metropolitan Washington Council • What equipment will you use? (Check and of Governments (COG) Builders Guide follow noise ordinance requirements) to Reuse and Recycling to find a local company who will take the material. Developing a planting plan www.mwcog.org/buildersrecyclingguide You must include a planting plan in your rebate • Take the excavated materials to the Shady application. The plan should detail the plant Grove Processing Facility and Transfer species, container size, number of plants and Station located at 16101 Frederick Road, planting densities, plant material source, soil Deerwood Maryland 20855, 240-777-6560) amendments, and a maintenance plan. For more information visit Montgomery To qualify for the higher rebate, at least County Transfer Station. 50 percent of plants selected must be • Hire a licensed solid waste transportation native species, which are indigenous to service

Pavement Removal (Page 40 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 6 How to… Build and Implement Once you have selected your location, outline the mulch or straw until planting. Replant as area using stakes or chalk. soon as possible after pavement removal. If your slope is greater than 5 percent, you • Notify Miss Utility prior to digging – call must provide erosion control. 811 or use online tool. To avoid erosion: • Remove pavement by breaking it up into pieces using a walk-behind pavement saw or • Use straw bales, compost blankets, or a jackhammer and air compressor. Another commercial silt fencing to reduce erosion option is to rent an excavator. during construction. • Remove the compacted gravel base that is • As soon as possible, seed or sod the bare beneath the layer of pavement with a pick lawn areas and place mulch in garden axe and shovel. You may need to protect areas. adjacent base of remaining tire tracks if • Plant and maintain dense plant cover on there is no slope to the drive. sloped areas. • Some traditional paving stones have liners • Stockpile areas should be protected from underneath to prevent weeds from growing rainfall and runoff by covering. between the paving stones. If you have a liner, make sure to remove it to allow water • If stockpiling, cover the pile with a tarp to soak into the soil of your new planting when not working with the material to bed. reduce the risk of wind and water erosion of materials. • Dig down to break up the compacted soil below the gravel base. Loosen the soil that Planting instructions remains to a depth of at least 6 inches. This helps create spaces in the soil that will Review the RainScapes Conservation allow the rain water to easily soak into the Landscaping and Tree Canopy modules for soil. detailed instructions on how to plant native plants and trees. • Spread out 2 inches of compost and then mix in the compost with the existing soil To prepare the lawn for sod, till the soil, rake to a depth of 6 to 9 inches. Make sure you the area level, and remove any weeds. Roll the amend the entire planting bed and not just sod with a heavy roller to establish root contact the planting holes. with the soil. • Protect the excavated area from eroding. During the first two weeks, water once to twice If project is not stabilized or planted at the a day depending on the temperature. For the same time as pavement removal, cover with next three to four weeks, water every other day to allow the sod to establish its root structure.

Breaking up pavement Preparing a new garden bed

Pavement Removal (Page 41 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 6 Costs Costs for pavement removal projects will vary widely depending on the size of the paved area and the types of plants or trees chosen. Costs will increase if the pavement is removed by a professional. Maintenance For two track driveways, observe track edges at least twice a year to ensure that tires are not eroding the planted area. Fill and stabilize any ruts as they occur. Adding green space to Landscaping with native plants your landscape requires regular gardening maintenance. Overall, landscaping with native plants and trees requires less maintenance than • Use tree-wraps to protect trees from deer rub traditional lawns and gardens. if necessary. Typical gardening activities for native plants Typical gardening activities for sod include: include: Watering • Annual mulching (no more than 2 to 3 inches) • Shady areas require less watering, so adjust • Weeding (by hand) your watering patterns to conserve water. • Watering (if it has been more than 3 weeks • Water early in the morning to reduce water without rain) loss through evaporation. • Pruning (as desired) • Use water from your rain barrel or cistern. Typical gardening activities for trees include: • Stop watering if you observe run off. Make • Mulch sure that your soil soaks up the water. • Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 3-foot-wide • Watering less frequently, but more thoroughly ring around the tree, but make sure that is more efficient than a frequent light spray. mulch does not touch the tree. • Re-mulch annually. If trees are part of a • Adjust watering patterns during periods of larger planting bed, you may allow leaves heavy rain or extreme heat. to remain, which reduces the frequency of Mowing needing to add mulch to the tree to conserve water. • Maintain a grass height of about 2 inches during the spring and fall and 2½ to 3½ • Water trees inches in the summer. Longer grass blades • Keep soil moist, but not soaked. help protect underlying growth, retain soil • Water trees once a week (less frequently if it moisture, and serve as a natural barrier to rains and more often when it’s hot and dry). weed growth. • Provide wind protection (using stakes for • Avoid cutting more than ⅓ of the grass blade added stability during the first year). Remove length at a time. This will slow growth so you all tree stakes after the first growing season. will not have to mow as frequently. • Rake leaves in the fall. • The best time of day to mow is in the evening, • Properly prune limbs (to protect nearby which allows grass to recover overnight before structures). it is exposed to the sun. • Use pest control if necessary. • The rule of thumb is to only mow grass when it needs it!

Pavement Removal (Page 42 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 6 For More Information: RainScapes Resources: Plant Lists http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ dectmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/water/ rainresources.asp Environmental Landscaping: Getting Started http://www.envirolandscaping.org/howto.htm Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council’s Eight Essential Elements of Conservation Landscaping

http://www.chesapeakelandscape.org/ Two-track driveway Guid1207%20.pdf Restoring Compacted Soil: http://www.soundnativeplants.com/PDF/ Restore%20Compact%20Soil.pdf Slope Control: http://www.erosioncontrol.com/january- february-2010/challenges-slope-stabilization. aspx Chesapeake Bay Conservation Landscaping Web Resources http://www.dnr.state.md.us/bay/cbnerr/ download/BayScaping_WebLinks.pdf American Institue of Architects Chesapeake Bay Foundation Bay Friendly Landscaping and Shoreline Resource List http://www.aiacbcgreen.org/cbf_resource_list. php Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation: Native Plants for Conservation, Restoration, and Landscaping http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural_heritage/ nativeplants.shtml Native Lawns: Buffalo Grass Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin http://www.wildflower.org/howto/show. php?id=19&frontpage=true Brooklyn Botanic Garden Planting a Native Grass Lawn Step by Step http://www.bbg.org/gardening/article/ planting_a_native_grass_lawn/

Goal: healthy soils and watersheds

Pavement Removal (Page 43 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 6 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Rain Gardens

Why should I install a What is a rain garden? rain garden? Rain gardens are attractive landscape features constructed to capture stormwater runoff from hard surfaces such as your roof, One inch of rain driveway, patio, or sidewalk. A rain garden is a garden with a shallow falling over a depression that collects and drains stormwater. Rain gardens 1,500 square typically are planted with native plants with deep roots that loosen foot home on the soil, so stormwater can soak into the ground more easily. Rain a small lot can gardens help to meet the RainScapes’ goal of using innovative produce over natural approaches to reduce water pollution, stream channel 5,000 gallons of stormwater erosion, and drainage problems caused by stormwater runoff. runoff. Typically, roof downspouts release runoff directly onto lawns or hard surfaces such as driveways, streets, and sidewalks that prevent the water from soaking into the ground. When water cannot soak into the ground, it flows over the surfaces and enters storm drains that flow to streams. As it flows over hard surfaces and lawns, the stormwater picks up pollutants Sunny rain garden - first summer Shady rain garden - first growing season, attractive overflow such as sediment, grease and design oil from cars, and pesticides and fertilizers from lawns. The storm drain pipes collect the stormwater and send it into the streams in surges, which can cause downstream erosion, flooding, and stream habitat problems. Rain gardens are functional landscaping features. In addition to making your landscape look more attractive, they can address flooding and erosion problems in your yard and neighborhood.

(continued on page 2) Fall rain garden

Rain Gardens (Page 44 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 11 Is my site right for a rain garden? Not all sites are suitable for a rain garden and a conservation landscape may be a more appropriate project. If you have poorly drained soils, steep slopes, or space constraints, you should consider conservation landscaping. See rainscapes.org for more information.

Image courtesy of Washington State University Rain Garden Handbook

(continued from page 1) Stormwater is reduced • Reduced localized flooding How to… because you are collecting the • Reduced erosion stormwater and allowing it to Assess Your naturally soak into the ground. • Pollution prevention Property • Groundwater recharge Take some time to walk around What are the Benefits • Enhanced wildlife habitat your property to assess the and Incentives? drainage conditions. The best • Aesthetics time to make your observations Rain gardens allow about 30% However, the most important is when it is raining, so that you more rainwater to soak into the reason to install a rain garden can see where the rain lands and ground than traditional lawns. may be that you are doing your where it flows. Consider these Since rain gardens capture part to help the environment questions to help you identify stormwater onsite, they can and protect your local streams where a rain garden could be reduce the harmful effects to and the Chesapeake Bay. placed to capture stormwater streams caused by large and runoff on your property: rapid stormwater flows. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate Program offers a rebate • Are there places on your Rain gardens offer multiple for installing a rain garden property where rain benefits to the community and on residential, institutional, regularly runs off of a the local environment, which multi-family, or commercial hard surface such as your include: properties. Please visit roof, driveway, patio or • Reduced polluted rainscapes.org for additional compacted lawn? stormwater runoff from rebate information. • Where does the rainwater yards into local streams go? Is the runoff directed to your lawn, the street, or a storm drain?

Rain Gardens (Page 45 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 11 The rain garden should be placed so that it 7. Bedrock and ground water should be catches the runoff from your roof downspouts, at least 2 feet below the rain garden driveway, sump pump outlets, patio, or sidewalk. surface. If you are concerned about these The key is to place the rain garden between the issues on your property, consult with point where rain falls on your property (i.e. your RainScapes staff first. roof, driveway, or patio, etc.) and where runoff 8. If you place the rain garden to collect water would exit your property (i.e. an adjacent runoff from a downspout, make sure stream, storm drain, etc.). the edge of the garden is 10 feet away Once you have identified the pattern of drainage from your house and downhill from the on your property, you can narrow down the foundation. potential rain garden locations on your property. 9. Make sure that when the rain garden Follow these steps to identify the best location in overflows, the excess water will be your yard for a rain garden: directed away from your home and your 1. Measure the area that will drain to your neighbor’s property. rain garden. Use the tables (1, 2 or 3) on Consult with RainScapes staff or a the next page to determine the size of your knowledgeable professional to determine if the rain garden. The area is determined by site is suitable for a rain garden. the relationship between hard surfaces draining to the garden, the depth of Testing the Soil digging in the garden and the amount of rain you are trying to catch. Since rain gardens depend on water soaking through the ground, it is important that the 2. Fit the rain garden into your current soils drain well. After locating a place you wish landscape. A well designed rain garden will to build your rain garden, you must test how improve the aesthetics of your property. well the soil drains to determine if the site is 3. Avoid marked underground utilities and suitable. To determine if your soil is suitable for septic tanks a rain garden, you must perform a soil drainage or infiltration test, which measures how fast – Identify and mark existing utilities the water soaks into the soil. Collected water in before digging rain gardens should soak into the soil within 24 – Call “Miss Utility”: 1-811-257-7777 or to 36 hours. submit an Internet Locate Request for 1. Dig a hole in the potential rain garden homeowners: http://www.missutility.net/ location that is about one foot in diameter iticlite/ and two feet deep (or as deep as your rain 4. Place the rain garden at least 10 feet away garden excavation will be). from basements and 5 feet from concrete 2. Fill the hole with water. or asphalt slabs like sidewalks, driveways, patios and garages. 3. Allow the water to naturally soak into the soil and wait until the water drains 5. Avoid placing your rain garden under completely. existing tree canopies 4. Within twelve hours, refill the hole 6. Avoid placing the rain garden in a soggy with water and record the time it takes area in your yard, which indicates that the for water to drain. This should take no soil in that area cannot drain well. The longer than 36 hours. best place for the rain garden is just uphill from the low spot in soil that passes the Consult with RainScapes staff or a qualified infiltration test. (See Testing the Soil). professional if it takes longer than 24 to 36 hours for water to drain through your test pit.

Rain Gardens (Page 46 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 11 How to… Design and Plan 1. Assess your site. Sizing the Rain Garden faster to construct. Use the Determine the size of shallowest planting bed depth the garden The amount of rainfall that that can capture the desired will fill a rain garden depends amount of rain and may result 2. Design your garden on how large the rain garden in less soil that has to be 3. Build your garden is compared to its drainage removed. • Layout the garden area. The tables below provide • Set your levels guidance on how to properly Shaded areas indicate inches of • Excavate size a rain garden. Montgomery rain captured for any combination • Build a berm/dispose County recommends that of drainage area and rain garden of soil residential rain gardens capture area. In the top row, choose 1.5 to 2.7 inches of rain. the drainage area closest to • Deliver/Add soil mix the measured area. In the left • Plant Another consideration is column, choose the closest rain • Mulch planting bed depth, which is the garden area to the measured • Water depth of the rain garden soil area. As an example, the blue box shows that a 50 sq. ft. rain 4. Maintain your garden media. More water can be stored with a deeper planting bed, but garden with a one foot planting • Establishment bed can store 3.0 inches of rain a shallower depth is easier and • Ongoing from a 200 sq. ft. drainage area.

Rain garden sizing tables Table 1. Sizing table for 1 ft planting media. Table 2. Sizing table for 2 ft planting media. Table 3. Sizing table for 3 ft planting media. Inches of Inches of Inches of rain stored Drainage area (square feet) rain stored Drainage area (square feet) rain stored Drainage area (square feet) 100 200 300 400 500 600 100 200 300 400 500 600 100 200 300 400 500 600 5 1.1 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.2 5 1.3 0.7 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 5 1.5 0.7 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 15 2.2 1.1 0.7 0.6 0.4 0.4 15 2.8 1.4 0.9 0.7 0.6 0.5 15 3.3 1.7 1.1 0.8 0.7 0.6 30 3.8 1.9 1.3 1.0 0.8 0.6 30 5.0 2.5 1.7 1.2 1.0 0.8 30 6.1 3.1 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.0 50 6.0 3.0 2.0 1.5 1.2 1.0 50 7.9 4.0 2.6 2.0 1.6 1.3 50 9.8 4.9 3.3 2.5 2.0 1.6 60 7.1 3.6 2.4 1.8 1.4 1.2 60 9.4 4.7 3.1 2.3 1.9 1.6 60 12 5.8 3.9 2.9 2.3 1.9

Media footprint (square feet) 75 8.8 4.4 2.9 2.2 1.8 1.5 Media footprint (square feet) 75 12 5.8 3.9 2.9 2.3 1.9 Media footprint (square feet) 75 14 7.2 4.8 3.6 2.9 2.4 100 11 5.7 3.8 2.9 2.3 1.9 100 15 7.6 5.1 3.8 3.1 2.5 100 19 9.5 6.4 4.8 3.8 3.2 125 14 7.1 4.7 3.6 2.8 2.4 125 19 9.5 6.3 4.7 3.8 3.2 125 24 12 7.9 5.9 4.7 3.9

Using the sizing tables 1. Estimate how much impervious area (roof, patio, driveway, or a combination) could be directed to the rain garden. For roof drainage, measure the footprint of the house to find the total area. Divide by the number of downspouts to estimate the roof area contributing to each downspout. 2. Look at the tables; start at the top and find the impervious area that you just calculated. 3. Decide how much rain you wish to catch in your rain garden (for a rebate, this should be at least 1.5 inches). 4. Tables 1-3 give you rain garden areas, but start with Table 1, since it involves the least amount of excavation. Determine your rain garden area by looking at the left column that lists rain garden square feet based on the impervious area and the inches of rain treated in the garden. 5. If you know you don’t have enough land for the ponding area, then move to Table 2 or 3. 6. Make a note of the selected planting bed depth to use in construction.

Rain Gardens (Page 47 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 11 Remember, the rain garden depth equals the depth of the soil media (planting media) plus an additional 6” for a temporary ponding area. So a Table 2 rain garden would actually be 30 inches deep. See Rain Garden Footprint on page 6. The wet zone is the planting media footprint. The dry zone is the extent of the ponding footprint. The figure at the bottom of page 6 also shows these zones and the rain garden berm. Table 4. Media Footprint vs. Ponding Footpring (square feet)

Media Ponding Most mosquitoes take 7 to 12 days to breed, however, a few species Footprint Footprint can lay eggs, hatch, and develop from larva to an adult in 4 days. If 5 24 your rain garden is designed properly, it will drain within a few hours 15 37 to a day, which is not enough time for mosquito eggs to hatch. Rain 30 56 gardens are intended to dry out between rain storms; they are not 50 81 intended to hold a permanent pool of water. Additionally, native plants in rain gardens attract wildlife such as dragonflies that are 60 94 natural predators of mosquitoes. 75 112 100 144 125 175

Developing a Planting Plan Basic garden composition principles apply to rain gardens. This means that it is desirable to have four seasons of interest, the color scheme and style of the garden should fit your needs, and garden maintenance should be considered when developing a planting plan. There are many resources that focus on composition; a rain garden can look like any style of garden once the soil and drainage aspects are solved. The best plants for rain gardens are plants that have fibrous, deep roots and are able to Native plants support pollinators withstand periods of drought and periods of extended wet conditions. This manual includes it will be the wettest area. Plants in this part of a list of recommended rain garden plants the rain garden should prefer moist soil. Plants and some sample rain garden planting design placed along the sides of the rain garden should templates. Other templates are available online prefer average to dry soil conditions Plants at and links to those are included in the “For More the top (edge) of the rain garden should prefer Information” section. dry soil conditions but be able to tolerate brief periods of flooding. Avoid selecting plants Plant Selection that require wet conditions—these plants Plant selection is critical to the success of your are wetland plants and need wet soils for the rain garden. The most important step is to majority of the growing season. Plant soil match a plant’s water tolerance to its location moisture tolerance information can be found in the rain garden. Some plants are adapted in most nursery catalogs, and is labeled as wet, to their “feet” (roots) getting wet, while other moist, average and dry, though you may need to plants prefer drier soil conditions. Different look at additional references in this section. locations within the rain garden will have Remember that rain gardens are designed to different levels of water after a storm. The drain within 24-36 hours, so they will be dry for center of the rain garden is the lowest point, so most of the season. Some native plant guides list

Rain Gardens (Page 48 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 11 ranges of “flood depths” that particular plants • The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s can tolerate. Knowing the depth of standing guide called “Native Plants for Wildlife water that a plant can handle will help you know Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: where the plant should be placed in the rain Chesapeake Bay Watershed.” http://www. garden (bottom, side, or top). nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/ Other considerations are plant size (how tall and Or wide plants will grow when they are mature— http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/nativesMD/ space them accordingly), the amount of sunlight pdf/MD-Piedmont.pdf the plant needs (typically full sun, partial shade, and shade), and plant aggressiveness (you want • The National Park Service’s “Plant Lists your plants to stay where they are planted for Maryland Regions” http://www.nps.gov instead of taking over your garden). Native plants have deep root systems that are much bigger than the root depth of conventional turf grass. Typical turf grass typically has roots that are 2-4 inches deep. Rain garden plant roots will usually grow to the depth of the garden and may extend further, depending on local soil conditions. As the plant matures, plants grow new roots looking for water and nutrients and discard about 30 percent of the roots annually, leaving “root channels” or holes in the soil where old roots decayed, which break up the soil. Water flows through the “root channels” Shade tolerant plants - first year and soaks into the soil more quickly. Drainage through soil will improve over time with native Dry Zone plants. To be eligible for a rebate, at least 75% of plants must be native species, which are plants that have adapted to local climate, rainfall, and soil conditions. Wet Zone Helpful resources for choosing native wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs for our region include: Rain Garden Footprint

Image courtesy of Washington State University Rain Garden Handbook

Rain Gardens (Page 49 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 11 Plan how water will get to the rain garden There are a variety of ways to direct stormwater to your rain garden: • Direct a roof downspout to the rain garden through a grass or rock-lined swale • Direct a roof downspout to the rain garden through a buried PVC pipe (place a “splash guard” or large rock under the pipe outlet to avoid erosion in the rain garden) • Collect driveway runoff in a shallow trench drain Brookside Gardens - signs help explain the rain garden and pipe water to the rain garden • Install a 1-inch speed bump in your driveway to send runoff to rain garden (requires hand shoveling in the winter) • Direct rain barrel overflow into the rain garden Plan where water will go when the rain garden is full All rain gardens will overflow during periods of heavy rainfall. Overflow from your rain garden can be released

through a “notch” cut in the berm. The notch should be 2-celled rain garden just after installation reinforced with either turf or stone to prevent erosion. The water should go where it would normally have flowed before the rain garden was constructed. A soft surface, such as a lawn or shrub planting area is usually the best location for overflow because it will provide additional opportunities for water to soak into the ground. Avoid sending the excess water towards your home’s foundation or neighboring home’s foundation.

and during first growing season

Can I do this Project Myself? Maybe. Detailed design templates are provided at rainscapes.org: You may need to consider hiring a qualified designer and/or installer if: • you are trying to treat off-site drainage • your site has a steep slope • you are considering terracing • you have a lot of trees If you are hiring a contractor to build a more complex rain garden, you can give the contractor these plans.

Rain Gardens (Page 50 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 7 of 11 How to Build and Implement Equipment: • Rope, string, or garden hose • Stakes • Lightweight line level • Sod-cutter (optional- you can rent these) • Shovel and rake (if done on a slope, shovel will not be needed) • Tiller or back hoe (use teeth to till) • Edging machine (optional- helps to keep grass out of the rain garden)

Building a rain garden on a slope Image courtesy of Washington State University Rain Garden Handbook

Steps : 1. Outline the footprint of the rain garden with rope, string, or a garden hose. 2. Pull up the sod with a sod-cutter or a shovel. The sod-cutter is preferred so that you have rolls of sod to finish the site or dispose easily. 3. Dig out the garden bed (to the depth determined from the sizing chart for the planting bed depth plus an additional 6 inches for

Rain Gardens (Page 51 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 8 of 11 the ponding depth). Set aside the excavated material to use for the berm. 4. Create a flat-bottomed bowl. 5. Add the planting media one foot at a time, up to the chosen planting depth from Table 1. Make sure that each layer is perfectly level. Water the area gently, so that the soil is not displaced. Recheck the level of the surface after wetting the planting bed to make sure the surface is flat. 6. If your rain garden is built on a hill, you will Rain garden with curvilinear grass berm want to build a mound of soil (a berm) on the downhill side to hold the water in. Cut a “notch” in the berm to let water out during the first year to allow plants to establish their roots. The hillside garden is the easiest to build by just raking the soil from the garden after tilling to the berm, with no shovel required. (See figure above). 7. Protect the berm notch and the inlet area with cobbles, an erosion control blanket, or rock placed in a step-like condition. 8. Place edging or a small wall around the garden to keep grass from creeping in, keep the mulch in, and enhance the aesthetic. Whatever edging you use, it needs to be lower than the grass edge or inlet to allow water to enter the garden. 9. Fill the rain garden with water to make sure Watering is necessary for newly planted gardens, but established gardens are drought tolerant it will drain within 24 hours and overflow in the direction you intended. Costs 10. Before planting, place double shredded hardwood mulch over the garden bed to a Rain garden costs vary greatly and depend on the depth of 3 inches; mulch prevents weeds, size, materials, and design of the garden. A typical adds nutrients to the soil, and captures price range is between $4-35 per square foot. The pollutants. lower figure is likely if you are a “do-it-yourselfer” with no hardscape and are using smaller plants 11. Remove plants from containers. If the plants Factors that influence price include: are “root bound,” break up the roots with • access to the site a knife or your fingers. Make sure that the • labor roots are pointing downwards when you • the use of heavy equipment or hand tools place the plant in the soil. • soil disposal offsite 12. Plant native species based on moisture • size of plants selected preferences (average to moist or dry • size of the garden overall conditions). • how much water it is designed to capture and soak in *Avoid compacting soil by standing or placing heavy equipment in the rain garden bed, which When hiring a contractor, ask for referrals of makes it harder for water to drain through the successful projects and be clear about what the soil. project entails.

Rain Gardens (Page 52 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 9 of 11 Deer resistant plants are crucial to many landscapes

Maintenance Most of the maintenance required for rain gardens occurs during the first year. Remember to: • Water plants during the first growing season until plants are established. The garden should receive a minimum of 1 inch of water from the hose or rain per week (about 15.6 gallons/week for a 25-square-foot rain garden). • Remove weeds. • Remove litter, sand, and sediment that may have entered the rain garden. • Remove and re-mulch (annually) with double shredded hardwood mulch to maintain 3 inches of cover. • Prune dead vegetation (annually). • Check where water enters the rain garden to make sure the area remains free of debris. Place rocks or a “splash block” to break up the water entering the rain garden to avoid washing out the garden during a major storm. Different Applications Rain gardens can have different appearances, dependent on your style preference and the level of maintenance you can do. Choose plants that you find attractive. You may want your garden to have a more manicured look or a “wild and wooly” look.

Rain Gardens (Page 53 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 10 of 11 Rain garden in partial sun

For More Information “Blue Thumb Guide to Rain Gardens: Design and To download or order a free copy of this guide, visit Installation Guide for Homeowners in the Upper http://www.nps.gov/plants/pubs/chesapeake/ Midwest.” 8-minute Video of Rain Garden Installation http://metroblooms.org/store/product_details. Metro Blooms, July 24, 2008 php?category_id=10&item_id=19 http://metroblooms.org/raingarden_video.php Western Washington Rain Garden Handbook Where to Buy Native Plants Washington State University Pierce County Extension Most local nurseries carry native plants. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website lists some native http://county.wsu.edu/mason/nrs/water/ plant nurseries in the Chesapeake Bay watershed: Documents/Raingarden_handbook.pdf http://www.fws.gov/chesapeakebay/BayScapes/ Rain Garden Manual for New Jersey bsresources/bs-nurseries.html Native Plant Society of New Jersey Rain Garden Templates, Low Impact Development http://www.npsnj.org/rain_garden_home.htm Center Rain Garden Calculators http://www.rainkc.com/ http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/raingarden_ index.cfm/fuseaction/home.showpage/pageID/17/ design/templates.htm index.htm Montgomery DEP Rain Garden templates Deer Tolerance http://www.rainscapes.org A list of deer resistant plants is provided on page 73 of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s guide to “Native Plants for Wildlife Habitat and Conservation Landscaping: Chesapeake Bay Watershed.”

Rain Gardens (Page 54 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 11 of 11 RainScapes Environmentally-Friendly Landscapes for Healthy Watersheds

Tree Canopy

Why should I plant What is a tree canopy? trees? A tree canopy is the crown of one or many trees that create an “umbrella” or cover of leaves.The leaves and branches shade paved Planting trees surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, and patios, reducing the is an easy, temperature of rainwater runoff. Tree canopy intercepts rainfall before affordable way the water hits the ground and becomes stormwater runoff. Trees to benefit the provide many benefits to the health and well-being of communities. environment. Often, trees can easily be added to the landscape to provide Tree canopies stormwater benefits. reduce stormwater runoff by absorbing and collecting rainfall on leaves and branches. Water evaporating off the surface of leaves returns to the atmosphere. Tree roots promote rainwater infiltration through the soil. Studies that have measured the stormwater benefits of trees found that over 700 gallons of rainfall can be captured each year by a single mature tree with a 30-foot radius crown.

Tree Canopy Intercepting Rainfall

Tree Canopy (Page 55 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 1 of 9 What are the and Patuxent watersheds are in greater need of tree planting than some of our other watersheds. If you are interested in benefits and seeing your area’s current tree canopy, please visit incentives? http://www.montgomeryplanning.org/canopy Important In addition to Montgomery County’s program, other programs benefits may provide similar incentives for tree planting. See http:// that trees www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dectmpl.asp?url=/Content/dep/ provide for the climatechange/treelaws.asp environment and local To qualify for DEP’s RainScapes rebate: community include: • Trees must be planted on private property. Rebates will • Reduced stormwater not be awarded for trees planted in the public right-of-way runoff (other programs exist for right-of-way trees). • Improved water quality • New trees must be: • Improved air quality »» In a #7 pot (a container holding about 7 gallons of soil and the roots) or larger • Stream bank stabilization »» At least 8 feet tall • Enhanced wildlife habitat »» At least 1 caliper inch (the trunk is 1 inch thick • Perceived noise reduction measured 6” above the base of the tree in the pot) • Reduced energy costs as • Trees must be planted between September 15 and April 30 trees shade your home • Wind breaks • Increased property values and curb appeal Trees also provide benefits that cannot be measured. Trees can improve community life and a person’s overall sense of well- being. To see the requirements and submit the RainScapes Rewards Rebate Application, please visit www.rainscapes.org Eligibility The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) supports expanding and improving the amount of tree canopy in our watersheds. Rock Creek, Little Falls, Anacostia, Cabin John, Shingle Oak Watts Branch, Muddy Branch, Large canopy tree above road pavement

Tree Canopy (Page 56 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 2 of 9 How to…

Assess Your Property Follow these basic steps to identify the best Remember that the best place to plant a tree location in your yard for a shade tree: is near a hard surface such as a driveway, sidewalk, or patio. When the tree canopy is • Identify Existing Utilities Before mature, it will shade the hard surface and Digging rainfall will be collected by leaves and branches. »» Mark underground utility lines by calling “Miss Utility” at 1-800-257-7777 or submitting an Internet Locate Request for homeowners: http://www.missutility. net/iticlite/ • Avoid Utilities »» Plant at least 3 feet away from marked underground utilities (Montgomery County requirement) »» Plant at least 10 feet away from main overhead utility wires Avoid planting • Accommodate Tree Growth canopy trees in light »» Dig the tree planting hole colored zones

 15 to 20 feet away from structures Noontime summer sun  At least 3 feet away from driveways, (hotter) sidewalks, patios, and fences  At least 20 feet from other large trees  At least 10 feet from small trees Morning summer sun (less hot) • Maximize Shade Provided by Trees »» Plant trees along the southwestern or western sides of your home to lower Afternoon summer cooling costs by shading afternoon sun sun (hottest) »» Plant along the southeastern or southern sides to shade your home from morning sun »» Plant in an area that will shade air conditioning units to help reduce energy use • Maximize Wind Protection Provided by Trees »» Plant along the northern and northwestern sides of your home to block Avoid planting canopy trees in light winter winds and reduce heating costs colored zones Illustrations: © Casey Trees 2009

Tree Canopy (Page 57 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 3 of 9 How to… Design and Plan Once you have identified an appropriate site for your tree, choose the type of tree to plant. The RainScapes Rewards Rebate program currently accepts rebate applications for the tree species listed in the table below. Other native canopy trees will be considered by DEP on a case-by-case basis. To find the types of trees that will work for your property, compare the soil type, space, and sunlight requirements. Additional information can be found at rainscapes.org.

Red Maple Black Oak Scarlet Oak

Mature Mature Soil Common Scientific Height Spread Texture Soil Moisture Drought Pest Name Name (feet) (feet) Light Exposure Tolerance Tolerance Tolerance Resistance Common Taxodium 60–80 25–35 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to Baldcypress distichum or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Yellow Aesculus 50–75 25–35 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, Moderate Resistant to Buckeye octandra loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Kentucky Gymnocladus 65–70 45–60 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained High Free of serious Coffeetree dioicus loam pests and diseases American Elm Ulmus 70–90 50–70 Full sun, partial sun, Clay, sand, Extended High Sensitive to (Valley Forge americana or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases or Princeton) drained Black Gum Nyssa 65–75 25–35 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Extended High Free of serious sylvatica or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests and drained diseases Common Gleditsia 30–40 30–40 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, High Sensitive to Honeylocust triacanthos or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Common Gleditsia 30–40 30–40 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, High Sensitive to Honeylocust triacanthos or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Littleleaf Tilia cordata 60–70 35–50 Full sun, partial sun, Clay, sand, Well-drained, Moderate Resistant to Linden or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Red Maple Acer rubrum 60–75 25–35 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Extended Moderate Resistant to or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Silver Maple Acer 60–80 40–60 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to saccharinum or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained

(continued on page 5)

Tree Canopy (Page 58 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 4 of 9 (continued from page 4)

Mature Mature Soil Common Scientific Height Spread Texture Soil Moisture Drought Pest Name Name (feet) (feet) Light Exposure Tolerance Tolerance Tolerance Resistance Black Oak Quercus 50–70 35–50 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained High Resistant to veluntina loam pests/diseases Northern Red Quercus rubra 60–70 50–60 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained High Resistant to Oak loam pests/diseases Scarlet Oak Quercus 60–75 45–60 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained Moderate Resistant to coccinea loam pests/diseases Shingle Oak Quercus 40–60 40–60 Full sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to imbricaria loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Swamp White Quercus 50–70 50–70 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Extended Moderate Resistant to Oak bicolor or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Willow Oak Quercus 60–75 40–50 Full sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to phellos loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Tulip-Poplar Liriodendron 80–100 30–50 Full sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, Moderate Resistant to tulipifera loam occasionally wet pests/diseases American Liquidambar 60–75 35–50 Full sun, partial sun, Clay, sand, Extended Moderate Resistant to Sweetgum styraciflua or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained American Plantanus 75–90 50–70 Full sun Clay, sand, Extended High Sensitive to Sycamore occidentalis loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained

The following trees will be considered at this time, but are not commonly found at local nurseries in large sizes: Bigtooth Populus 50–75 25–35 Full sun Clay, loam Well-drained, Moderate Sensitive to Aspen grandidentata occasionally wet pests/diseases American Fagus 50–75 40–60 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained Moderate Resistant to Beech grandifolia or partial shade, loam pests/diseases shade tolerant Pond Cyprus Taxodium 50–60 10–15 Full sun, parital sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to ascendens or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Mockernut Carya 50–75 35–50 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained Moderate Sensitive to Hickory tomentosa or partial shade loam pests/diseases Pignut Carya glabra 50–65 30–40 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, High Resistant to Hickory or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Bur Oak Quercus 70–90 60–80 Full sun Clay, sand, Extended High Resistant to macrocarpa loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained Overcup Oak Quercus lyrata 30–40 30–40 Full sun, partial sun, Clay, sand, Extended Moderate Resistant to or partial shade loam flooding, well- pests/diseases drained White Oak Quercus alba 60–100 60–80 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, Moderate Resistant to or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests/diseases Kentucky Cladrastis 30–50 40–50 Full sun, partial sun Clay, sand, Well-drained, Moderate Free of serious Yellowwood kentukea or partial shade loam occasionally wet pests and diseases

Data adapted from “Northern Trees” tree selector developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Northeast Region with Rutgers University and the University of Florida [see “For More Information” section on page 9].

Tree Canopy (Page 59 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 5 of 9 Can I do this project myself? Yes. You can use this section as a guide. You will need the appropriate tools, site assessment, and physical ability.

If I decide to hire a contractor, what should I ask? • What experience do you have planting • Are you insured? trees? • What is included in your services? • Are you certified with any nationally • How long do you expect the project to take? recognized organizations such as the International Society of • Do you offer a guarantee for your work? Arboriculture or the • Are you available to perform ongoing National Arborist Association? maintenance of the trees if needed? • Can you supply references from previous • How much will your services cost? clients?

If you buy your tree at a nursery, remember to cover the tree with a tarp or blanket during transportation to protect it from wind damage. If you bought your tree at a nursery that offers a warranty or guarantee, be sure to follow the nursery planting instructions.

Silver Maple

Large spreading canopy intercepts up to 1/4 inch of rain in leaves (Casey Trees)

Tree Canopy (Page 60 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 6 of 9 How to… Build and Implement

Planting a Balled in Burlap (B&B) Tree on Flat Ground 1) Digging the Planting Hole HELPFUL TOOLS for DIGGING 1 Dig planting hole no deeper than the root ball height. Excavate hole 2-3 times the width of the root ball diameter.

2 Roughen the sides of the planting hole.

2 Trunk Flare Gloves grade hole depth = Shovel root ball 3 Before placing the tree in the planting hole, height prune only dead or broken branches and remove any tree wrap, tape, string, and tags from tree trunk and branches. undisturbed root ball diameter Pick-Axe soil 4 Gently lower the tree into the hole so that the hole width = 2-3 x the diameter of Tarp trunk flare is at or slightly above the original the root ball grade. 2) Planting the Tree HELPFUL TOOLS 1 Backfill 1/3 of the planting hole with original soil to stabilize root ball and keep tree upright. 3 2 Cut and remove top 2/3 of the wire basket 2 Scissors 3 Cut and remove top 2/3 of the burlap from the root ball 1

Rake Bolt Cutters (to cut the B&B wire basket) Hand Pruners 4 Completely backfill hole with original soil and add soil amendment if needed 4

Soil Amendment

3) Mulching and Watering

HELPFUL TOOLS 1 Create a mulch ring around the tree and a 3-6” Mulch Tree Guard - high soil and mulch berm at the edge of the helps protect hole. Keep mulch away from the trunk. the tree’s trunk

Watering Bucket

Hose 1 Mulch and soil 2 Water the tree thoroughly at planting and berm Mulch layer kept 15-25 gallons per week after the planting. Tree Guard away from trunk Watering Bag - placed around the tree at the time of planting. One watering bag holds 25 gallons of water, released slowly over time.

Please See Opposite Side for Staking Tools and Directions © Casey Trees 2009 1123 11th Street NW • Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 833-4010 • Fax: (202) 833-4092 • www.caseytrees.org

Tree Canopy (Page 61 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 7 of 9 How to… Build and Implement

Planting and Staking a Containerized Tree on a Hill 1) Choosing Where to Plant HELPFUL TOOLS

Center of Tree Planting Hole

Trunk Gloves Flare Pick-Axe Tarp Containerized Tree Shovel 2) Planting the Containerized Tree

4 1 Dig tree planting hole to depth of root

original grade. Excavate hole 2-3 times hole depth = the width of the root ball diameter. root ball 1 height

2 2 undisturbed Roughen the edges of the hole. 2 soil

3 Carefully remove the tree’s root ball from the container, and untangle and prune any circling roots. 1 root ball diameter HELPFUL TOOLS hole width = 2- 3 x the diameter of the root ball 4 Gently lower the tree into center of

slightly above the original grade. Back 5 Hand Pruners Scissors stabilize root ball and keep tree upright. Add soil to the downhill side 5 and add soil amendment if needed. Add soil to the downhill side to help level the Rake Soil Amendment soil area around the tree. 3) Mulching and Staking the Tree or sloped ground

HELPFUL TOOLS 1 Create a mulch ring around the tree and a 3-6” high soil and mulch berm at the Mulch Stake edge of the planting hole, particularly on Mulch layer kept Driver 1 the downhill side. Keep mulch away from See the View away from trunk the trunk. from Above below 2 Decide if stakes are necessary to help the

tree remain upright. If so, drive stakes two feet deep into the soil at the edge of the hole. 2 or 3 Mulch and soil 6’ Hardwood berm Stakes

Views from Above Non-slipping knot Tree Tie Stake 1 Stake 2 Tree tie 3 Secure tree trunk with tree tie with at least a 6” wide loop snuggly around the 2 tree trunk - tied with a non-slipping knot. Stake 1 Stake 2 3 Tree Please See Opposite Side for Mulch and 4 Stakes should be removed after one year. Watering Tools and Directions soil berm Note: stake Tree planting hole across the hill © Casey Trees 2009 1123 11th Street NW • Washington, DC 20001 Phone: (202) 833-4010 • Fax: (202) 833-4092 • www.caseytrees.org

Tree Canopy (Page 62 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 8 of 9 Costs For More Information Cost will vary depending on the type and size of the tree you choose. Typical prices for 8- to 12-foot trees are $75 to $200 Maryland Native Plant Society’s per tree for a do-it-yourself installation. List of Sources of Native Plants, Identifying Local Nurseries/ Landscapers and Native Plant Maintenance Materials: Trees require a few maintenance activities, which include: http://www. mdflora. org/publications/ • Mulch nurseries. html »» Place 2 to 4 inches of mulch in a 3-foot wide ring of National Arbor Day Foundation Tree mulch around the tree, but make sure that mulch Store: does not touch the trunk http://www. arborday.org/shopping/ trees/trees.cfm »» Re-mulch annually, and rake the mulch to prevent hardening Reforestation, Nurseries, and Genetics Resources Plant Materials Directory: • Water trees* http://www.rngr.net/Applications/ »» Keep soil moist, directory but not soaked Casey Trees, General Reference »» Water trees once Materials: a week (less http://www.caseytrees.org/planting/ frequently if it Seasonal Maintenance Guidance: rains and more http://www.caseytrees. org/planting/ often when it’s how-to/tree-care/documents/ hot and dry) Almanacposter3010609.pdf • Provide wind Using a “Tree Benefits Calculator” to protection (using quantify your trees’ annual economic stakes for added and ecological benefits: stability during the first year) http://www.treebenefits.com/calculator • Rake leaves in the fall USDA Forest Service Northeast • Properly prune limbs (to protect nearby structures) Region, Rutgers University, and • Use pest control if necessary University of Florida’s Database for • Use tree-wraps to protect trees from deer rub if Northern Trees: necessary http://orb.at.ufl.edu/TREES/index. html To avoid trunk damage, do not use a weed whacker around trees. Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, Planting and Maintaining Trees: Additional maintenance tips and a schedule to care for http://www. forestsforwatersheds.org/ your trees can be found in The Tree Owner’s Manual on planting-and-maintaining-trees/ DEP’s Web site: http://www. montgomerycountymd.gov/ deptmpl. asp?url=/content/dep/Forest/plantandcare_trees. USDA Forest Service, Urban asp#carefortrees. Watershed Forestry Manual – Part 3: Urban Tree Planting Guide: * Newly planted trees require extra water in the summertime when it http://www. forestsforwatersheds. org/ is hot and dry. Be sure to water young trees at least once a week if storage/Part3ForestryManual.pdf it doesn’t rain, especially in July and August. While big trees rarely need extra water besides the rain, watering in the heat of July and CREP, Maryland’s Conservation August will help them too. Please visit the DEP Web site: http:// Reserve Enhancement Program www. montgomerycountymd.gov/deptmpl.asp?url=/content/dep/ http://www.fsa.usda.gov Forest/wateringtrees. asp for instructions on how to water “slow and steady” to best care for your trees and conserve water.

Tree Canopy (Page 63 of Rainscapes Projects Manual) page 9 of 9