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Hurray for Spring!

Spring is a time of new beginnings. Buds are forming on the Maple trees outside my window. The Magnolia flowers are just beginning to open and my daffodils are in full bloom. I want to make a fresh start just like nature! And immediately I begin to think – SPRING CLEAN UP!

It’s time to get out into the sunshine, hear the birds chirping, see the squirrels scurrying and inventory stormwater control measures (SCMs).

Wait, What?

The rainy season in Ohio is here! While I can’t wait for my grass to turn that deep green and my flowers to bloom, I also need to think about where all the water is going to go - and preferable not my basement.

Landowners who have stormwater control measures – such as wet or dry ponds, bioretention cells or raingardens, permeable pavers, etc. need to remember this type of stormwater infrastructure needs its spring cleaning too!

Here are some things to consider when you being spring clean-up:

  • Take out the Trash – Trash and debris loves to collect in SCMs. It can easily clog the system and/or take up the precious space for stormwater runoff.
  • Hair Cuts – It’s time to cut back any overgrown vegetation – especially near inflow and outflow structures. And/or remove unwanted vegetation (e.g. between permeable pavers).
  • Scrapes and Bruises – Winter can be a harsh time. Is there any damage to your SCM? Check for things like leaking pipes or erosion. Once it begins to rain these types of issues can easily turn from small to big costly problems.
  • Looking Pretty – It’s time to start planning and planting. Adding mulch or rocks, planting native grasses and sedges – ensuring the infrastructure is functioning as designed.

Remember the hard work in put in now will help you to start off on a clean slate. Just like maintaining your car, maintaining an SCM is important to extend the life of your system.

Blog author: Carla Regener, Stormwater Specialist

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