{"id":12716,"date":"2022-10-07T19:32:02","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T19:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=12716"},"modified":"2026-10-28T18:46:44","modified_gmt":"2026-10-28T18:46:44","slug":"manage-stormwater-runoff","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/manage-stormwater-runoff\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Ways to Manage Stormwater Runoff"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>Runoff is dirty water:<\/strong> Stormwater picks up fertilizer, pesticides, oil, and pet waste before carrying them into local streams, rivers, and lakes.<br>\u2022 <strong>Absorb, capture, or redirect:<\/strong> The best solutions either soak water into the soil (rain gardens, aeration, permeable pavers) or capture it for reuse (rain barrels, cisterns).<br>\u2022 <strong>Your habits matter too:<\/strong> Simple changes like using less fertilizer, cleaning up after pets, and skipping the driveway car wash keep pollutants out of waterways.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stormwater runoff solutions matter because runoff becomes a dirty, polluted mess when excess rain mixes with fertilizers, pesticides, animal waste, and other lawn chemicals and washes off your yard.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve gathered 14 ways to manage stormwater runoff in your yard and explained why you should care. And if your yard floods every time it rains, a little help with <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn mowing service<\/a> and ongoing upkeep can keep your turf healthy enough to soak up more rainfall.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-c9916847-ed25-4920-a0b9-129ba4c0bbc9\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">In this article:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/manage-stormwater-runoff\/#0-what-is-stormwater-runoff\" style=\"\">What is stormwater runoff?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/manage-stormwater-runoff\/#1-14-stormwater-runoff-solutions\" style=\"\">14 stormwater runoff solutions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/manage-stormwater-runoff\/#16-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-what-is-stormwater-runoff\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"what-is-stormwater-runoff\">What is stormwater runoff?<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stormwater runoff is the excess rainwater the ground doesn\u2019t absorb during a storm.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That dirty water eventually reaches streams, rivers, and lakes, polluting waterways and killing wildlife. The problem is worst in developed areas: Once more than <a href=\"https:\/\/extension.psu.edu\/impervious-surfaces-and-stormwater-impacts\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10% to 20%<\/a> of a watershed is covered by hard surfaces like roofs and pavement, the amount of runoff doubles. <\/p>    <h2 id=\"1-14-stormwater-runoff-solutions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"14-stormwater-runoff-solutions\">14 stormwater runoff solutions<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To reduce stormwater runoff, match the fix to your problem: Absorb water into the soil if your yard floods or erodes, capture it for reuse if you want to save water, or change a few habits to cut pollution. Here are 14 solutions, grouped by approach.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-1-install-permeable-pavers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"1-install-permeable-pavers\">1. Install permeable pavers<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_ddp-1nyiwd3iora-unsplash.jpg\" alt=\"Install permeable pavers\" class=\"wp-image-13040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_ddp-1nyiwd3iora-unsplash.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_ddp-1nyiwd3iora-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_ddp-1nyiwd3iora-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_ddp-1nyiwd3iora-unsplash-610x406.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Permeable pavers let water seep into the soil. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/1NyiWD3iorA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DDP<\/a> | Unsplash | Unsplash License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Permeable pavers have wide joints that let water seep into the soil below, so unlike concrete and other non-porous surfaces that reroute runoff, they keep water on your property.  <\/p>    <h3 id=\"3-2-build-a-rain-garden\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"2-build-a-rain-garden\">2. Build a rain garden<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_rain_garden_2014.jpg\" alt=\"A rain garden\" class=\"wp-image-13050\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_rain_garden_2014.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_rain_garden_2014-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_rain_garden_2014-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_rain_garden_2014-610x407.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A rain garden holds stormwater runoff before absorbing it into the ground. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rain_garden_(2014).JPG\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">James Steakley<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/4.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-build-a-rain-garden\/\">Rain gardens<\/a> are shallow, sunken areas of plantings that collect stormwater runoff. Also known as bioretention cells, they hold runoff like a bowl before absorbing it into the ground, keeping pollution out of nearby storm drains. They are a beautiful, eco-friendly solution to flooding.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As Mitchell Pavao-Zuckerman, PhD, of the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland, notes, &#8220;Rain garden soils are designed to infiltrate stormwater, slowing the flow of surface runoff and promoting ecological processes that treat that water.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Include native plants in your rain garden, because their deep root systems help filter out pollutants. <\/p>    <h3 id=\"4-3-collect-water-with-cisterns\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"3-collect-water-with-cisterns\">3. Collect water with cisterns<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165.jpg\" alt=\"Rainwater collection tank\" class=\"wp-image-13013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_2706165-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rainwater collection tanks collect runoff from roofs and driveways. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Rainwater_collection_tank_-_geograph.org.uk_-_2706165.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Penny Mayes<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> | via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cisterns are large underground or aboveground storage tanks that collect runoff from roofs and driveways for later use. Sloped terrain funnels stormwater into the tank, and you can pump it back out to irrigate your lawn or garden. <\/p>    <h3 id=\"5-4-try-rain-barrels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"4-try-rain-barrels\">4. Try rain barrels<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"799\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_2661288871_aea928558d_c.jpg\" alt=\"Rain barrels\" class=\"wp-image-13012\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_2661288871_aea928558d_c.jpg 799w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_2661288871_aea928558d_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_2661288871_aea928558d_c-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_2661288871_aea928558d_c-610x407.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 799px) 100vw, 799px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Rain barrels collect rain from downspouts. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/madmack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ian Mackenzie<\/a> | Flickr | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/2.0\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the name suggests, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/benefits-of-rain-barrels\/\">rain barrels<\/a> collect rain directly from downspouts. By capturing the water, the barrel keeps it from joining streams and rivers. The water captured by the barrel is later available to hydrate your garden or turfgrass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most barrels hold about 50 gallons of water and typically cost $50 to $150.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"6-5-add-vegetation-to-bare-spots-on-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"5-add-vegetation-to-bare-spots-on-your-lawn\">5. Add vegetation to bare spots on your lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"532\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c.jpg\" alt=\"ice plant groundcover with purplish-pink flowers\" class=\"wp-image-4722\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c-610x406.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7458131580_ea6a29cb0a_c-390x259.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ground cover like ice plant filters water and lessens runoff. Photo Credit: Amy Stenglein \/ Lawn Love<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Plants not only filter water through their root systems, but those roots \u2018grab\u2019 the soil and keep it in place. Therefore, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-ground-covers-for-foot-traffic\/\">ground covers<\/a> lessen runoff and erosion.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Native plants are ideal ground covers because of their familiarity with the local habitat and ability to survive with minimal upkeep. <\/p>    <h3 id=\"7-6-never-dump-anything-down-the-storm-drains\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"6-never-dump-anything-down-the-storm-drains\">6. Never dump anything down the storm drains<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1.jpg\" alt=\"Storm drain covered with leaves\" class=\"wp-image-4439\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-610x458.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-240x180.jpg 240w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_6447392233_f7b09919fa_c-1-390x293.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Storm drains help relieve excess water. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/42787780@N04\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fried Dough<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improper disposal of chemicals into storm sewers is not only bad for the environment; it\u2019s also against the law. Dumping anything into storm drains is simply polluting. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re unsure how to dispose of a particular chemical (such as fertilizers or pesticides), check the label or schedule a pick-up with your local hazardous waste facility.  <\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-7-use-fertilizers-sparingly\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"7-use-fertilizers-sparingly\">7. Use fertilizers sparingly<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"521\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482.jpg\" alt=\"Man fertilizing a residential lawn\" class=\"wp-image-5339\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482-300x195.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482-768x500.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482-610x397.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/rsz_1shutterstock_1501650482-390x254.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Using excess fertilizer increase runoff pollution. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/The+Toidi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Toidi<\/a> | Shutterstock | Shutterstock License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply only what your lawn needs, because excess fertilizer washes into waterways with stormwater. There it feeds <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/nutrientpollution\/effects-dead-zones-and-harmful-algal-blooms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">algae blooms<\/a> that use up the oxygen fish need, suffocating aquatic life.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;In many cases, soils already contain sufficient nutrients, and excess fertilization can increase runoff pollution without improving lawn health,&#8221; explains Rianna T. Murray, PhD, of the University of Maryland School of Public Health in College Park, Maryland.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"9-8-practice-proper-pest-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"8-practice-proper-pest-management\">8. Practice proper pest management<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741.jpg\" alt=\"Person spraying a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-5905\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741-610x406.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/rsz_1shutterstock_1492358741-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Avoid chemical pesticides that pollute stormwater. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/ImaGesine72\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mabeline72<\/a> | Shutterstock | Shutterstock License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similar to fertilizers, pesticides are a significant pollutant in stormwater runoff. Consider hiring a professional who is trained to apply pesticides with minimal impact on the environment. Another option is to apply eco-friendly organic pesticides. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/integrated-pest-management-lawn\/\">Integrated Pest Management<\/a> (IPM) is an eco-friendly approach to pest control that can reduce pesticides in stormwater runoff. <\/p>    <h3 id=\"10-9-don%E2%80%99t-bag-your-leaves\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"9-dont-bag-your-leaves\">9. Don\u2019t bag your leaves<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643389.jpg\" alt=\"Fallen leaves on a lawn\" class=\"wp-image-13008\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643389.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643389-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643389-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-vecislavas-popa-1643389-610x419.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Instead of bagging leaves, mulch them so they can soak up water. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@fotoaibe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vecislavas Popa<\/a> | Pexels | Pexels License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try using a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-mulching-lawn-mowers\/\">mulching lawn mower<\/a> instead. The mulched leaves will soak up the water like a sponge. Plus, the shredded leaves are a great source of nutrients for your lawn.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"11-10-pick-up-after-your-pet\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"10-pick-up-after-your-pet\">10. Pick up after your pet<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206.jpg\" alt=\"Pet waste cleanup sign on lawn\" class=\"wp-image-12721\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206-510x382.jpg 510w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_law_of_the_lawn_24693644206-610x458.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Pet waste can add bacteria to waterways. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Law_of_the_Lawn_(24693644206).jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Coastal Elite from Halifax, Canada<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a> | via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Picking up after your pet keeps <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stormwatercenter.net\/pollution-prevention\/pet-waste\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fecal bacteria<\/a> out of lakes, rivers, and your drinking water. When pet waste washes into local waterways, it raises public health risks and can cause infections.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"12-11-don%E2%80%99t-wash-your-car-on-your-street-or-driveway\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"11-dont-wash-your-car-on-your-street-or-driveway\">11. Don\u2019t wash your car on your street or driveway<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870673.jpg\" alt=\"Person washing a car\" class=\"wp-image-13043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870673.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870673-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870673-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-karolina-grabowska-4870673-610x419.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Washing a car in your driveway sends contaminants into storm drains. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@karolina-grabowska\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Karolina<\/a> | Pexels | Pexels License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hard surfaces like driveways and streets can\u2019t absorb water, so runoff just rolls across them. Washing your car on these surfaces sends car oil, brake fluid, and other contaminants straight into storm drains. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead, take your car to a professional car wash. Car washes have wastewater management systems that help keep the soap and other contaminants out of local waterways.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"13-12-fix-fluid-leaks-in-your-vehicles\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"12-fix-fluid-leaks-in-your-vehicles\">12. Fix fluid leaks in your vehicles<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"550\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-sergey-meshkov-8478268.jpg\" alt=\"Person fixing a car\" class=\"wp-image-12999\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-sergey-meshkov-8478268.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-sergey-meshkov-8478268-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-sergey-meshkov-8478268-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/rsz_pexels-sergey-meshkov-8478268-610x419.jpg 610w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Keep your car maintained to prevent fluid leaks. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/@19x14\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sergey Meshkov<\/a> | Pexels | Pexels License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait for the rain to wash those stains off your driveway; it\u2019s time to call your mechanic. Oil, brake fluids, and antifreeze can pollute our waterways with heavy metals. Keep your vehicles running smoothly and well-maintained. <\/p>    <h3 id=\"14-13-don%E2%80%99t-overdo-the-deicers\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"13-dont-overdo-the-deicers\">13. Don\u2019t overdo the deicers<\/span><\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Road salt and other de-icing products protect your safety, but they can harm the environment. When they wash off non-porous surfaces, they pollute soil and water.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With nowhere else to go, the excess salt and chemicals flow through storm drains into rivers and lakes, altering ecosystems.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When using these products, follow all instructions carefully and apply the appropriate amount. Clean up spills and excess salt. For a more eco-friendly alternative, consider sand or regular kitty litter.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"15-14-aerate-the-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"14-aerate-the-lawn\">14. Aerate the lawn<\/span><\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800.jpg\" alt=\"Aerating machine on grass\" class=\"wp-image-9009\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800.jpg 800w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800-610x406.jpg 610w, https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/aerating-machine_800-390x260.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aerating your lawn allows water to move freely into the soil. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shutterstock.com\/g\/AlanKidd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alan Kidd<\/a> | Shutterstock | Shutterstock License<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your lawn\u2019s soil is compacted, it struggles to absorb water, nutrients, and oxygen. As a result, runoff will roll off the lawn with ease. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/core-or-spike-aeration\/\">Core aeration<\/a> removes plugs of soil to relieve compaction, so water, nutrients, and oxygen move freely and your lawn soaks up rainfall instead of shedding it. If digging into compacted ground sounds like a chore, <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=aeration\">aeration service<\/a> is one of those jobs a local pro can knock out quickly.  <\/p>    <h2 id=\"16-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"faqs\">FAQs<\/span><\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-0\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do I deal with my neighbor\u2019s water runoff?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Start by talking with your neighbor, since many runoff issues are solved cooperatively. If that fails, redirect the water along your property line with a shallow planted ditch (a swale), a gravel-filled French drain, or a rain garden. Choose among these options based on your soil type and slope: a swale suits gentle grades, a French drain works where water pools, and a rain garden fits spots that stay damp.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why should you manage stormwater runoff?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Unmanaged stormwater runoff affects everyone, causing:<br\/>\u2022 Flooding<br\/>\u2022 Property damage<br\/>\u2022 Erosion<br\/>\u2022 Sedimentation that clouds water and kills aquatic ecosystems<br\/>\u2022 Polluted drinking water<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-2\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Where does most stormwater runoff go?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Most stormwater joins streams and creeks. Eventually, that water will travel to other larger bodies of water until it reaches the ocean. In many communities, storm drains discharge directly to local waterways without any treatment, so whatever the runoff picks up along the way, oil, fertilizer, and pet waste, flows straight into the streams, rivers, and lakes downstream.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-3\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What percentage of rainfall becomes runoff?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">About <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nicholas.duke.edu\/citizenscientist\/the-fate-of-rainfall\/#:~:text=Despite%20dramatic%20flash%20flooding%20after,the%20atmosphere%20as%20water%20vapor\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">35% of rainwater<\/a> becomes runoff in streams and rivers. About 65% of rainfall returns to the atmosphere through evaporation. That split shifts with conditions, though: Porous soil and healthy vegetation absorb more rain, while impervious surfaces like roofs, driveways, and streets send far more of it rushing off as runoff.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"17-when-to-hire-a-professional\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span id=\"when-to-hire-a-professional\">When to hire a professional<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Call a landscaping professional when your yard floods repeatedly or when drainage fixes feel out of your depth. A pro can grade your yard and install the right drainage solution to keep runoff and its pollutants out of local waterways. <\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Need help with aeration, grading, or drainage that\u2019s contributing to rainwater runoff? Let Lawn Love connect you with a local <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnlove.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=mowing\">lawn care service<\/a> provider and get a free estimate today.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/reasons-your-yard-is-flooding\/\">Reasons Why Your Yard Is Flooding<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/lawn-drainage-solutions\/\">Lawn Drainage Solutions: How to Fix a Wet Yard<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main photo credit: Stormwater runoff at the Paddocks wetland, Salisbury, SA. <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:CSIRO_ScienceImage_4479_Stormwater_runoff_at_the_Paddocks_wetland_in_the_northern_Adelaide_suburb_of_Salisbury_SA_1995.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CSIRO<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | <a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/3.0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Stormwater runoff solutions keep polluted rainwater out of local waterways. Here are 14 ways to absorb, capture, and redirect runoff in your yard.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":76,"featured_media":12718,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[298],"tags":[222],"class_list":["post-12716","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-landscaping","tag-landscaping"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/rsz_csiro_scienceimage_4479_stormwater_runoff_at_the_paddocks_wetland_in_the_northern_adelaide_suburb_of_salisbury_sa_1995.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Caleb Leonard","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/caleb-leonard\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12716","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/76"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12716"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12716\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50729,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12716\/revisions\/50729"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12716"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12716"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12716"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}