Top Ways to Prevent Flooding Using Residential Conservation Landscaping and BMPs

Flooding can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing extensive damage and costly repairs. Fortunately, you can take proactive steps to mitigate flooding risks right in your own backyard. By implementing residential conservation landscaping and Best Management Practices (BMPs), you can create a resilient landscape that absorbs stormwater, reduces runoff, and protects your home. Before we explore some effective strategies to prevent flooding using these approaches, we need to review what causes flooding.

Residential flooding is often caused by several land use practices that affect water drainage and absorption. Key factors include:

Each of these land use issues can work alone or in combination to increase residential flooding risks. Sustainable urban planning, proper drainage systems, and maintaining green spaces are key to managing this risk.

Please note that there are certain types of flooding that are difficult or impossible to prevent at the residential level, primarily because they stem from large-scale natural or infrastructural issues beyond individual control: River and Coastal Flooding, Flash Flooding, Storm Surge Flooding, Groundwater Flooding, Flooding from Dam or Levee Failure, and Infrastructure Overload. While residents can take steps to minimize damage, like installing sump pumps, flood barriers, or backflow valves, large-scale flooding events often require community-wide or governmental interventions to effectively manage or mitigate.

Now that we have an understanding of the problem(s), below are some effective strategies to prevent flooding on a residential scale.

Implementing these residential conservation landscaping techniques and BMPs can significantly reduce the risk of flooding around your home. By making thoughtful landscaping choices, you can create a beautiful, sustainable, and flood-resistant environment.

1. Rain Gardens

rain garden diagram — photo curtesy of @vinesgardens

Rain gardens are shallow, planted depressions that collect and absorb rainwater from roofs, driveways, and lawns. They are designed to capture and hold stormwater, allowing it to slowly infiltrate the ground rather than running off into storm drains. By using native plants that are adapted to local conditions, rain gardens not only reduce flooding but also enhance biodiversity and create beautiful landscapes.

2. Permeable Paving

Traditional concrete and asphalt surfaces are impervious, causing water to run off and increase flood risks. Permeable paving alternatives, such as porous asphalt, permeable concrete, and interlocking pavers, allow water to infiltrate the ground. These materials can be used for driveways, walkways, and patios, reducing surface runoff and promoting groundwater recharge.

3. Swales and Bioswales

bioswale diagram — photo curtesy of The Watershed Project

Swales and bioswales are shallow, vegetated channels that manage water runoff. Swales are primarily designed to convey water, while bioswales also filter pollutants.

These features can be integrated into your landscape to direct stormwater away from your home and towards areas where it can safely infiltrate the soil. Planting native grasses and shrubs in swales can further enhance their water-absorbing capabilities.

4. Native Plant Landscaping

Native plants are well-adapted to local climates and soil conditions, making them ideal for water conservation landscaping. Their deep root systems help improve soil structure and increase infiltration rates. By replacing traditional lawns with native plant gardens, you can reduce the need for irrigation, decrease runoff, and create a more flood-resistant landscape.

5. Green Roofs

Green roofs are living roofs covered with vegetation and soil. They absorb rainwater, provide insulation, and reduce the urban heat island effect. For homeowners with flat or gently sloped roofs, green roofs can be an excellent way to manage stormwater and decrease runoff from your property.

6. Rain Barrels and Cisterns

Rain barrels and cisterns collect and store rainwater from your roof, reducing the volume of runoff. This stored water can be used for irrigation, reducing your reliance on municipal water supplies. Installing a rain barrel at the downspout of your gutter system is a simple and effective way to capture and reuse rainwater.

7. Terracing and Contouring

For properties on slopes, terracing and contouring can help manage stormwater. By creating a series of level steps or contour trenches, you can slow down water flow and encourage infiltration. This method prevents erosion and reduces the risk of flooding downhill areas.

8. Mulching

Applying mulch to garden beds helps retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and improve soil health. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark, can also enhance water infiltration and reduce runoff. Mulching is a simple yet effective way to enhance your landscape’s resilience to heavy rainfall.

9. Detention Basins and Retention Ponds

Detention basins and retention ponds are engineered features designed to capture and hold stormwater. While detention basins temporarily hold water and release it slowly, retention ponds permanently hold water and provide habitat for wildlife. These features can be integrated into larger residential properties to manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks.

10. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Lastly, regular maintenance and inspections of your landscape and drainage systems are crucial. Clean out gutters, downspouts, and drainage ditches to ensure they function properly. Check for signs of erosion or water pooling and address issues promptly to prevent more significant problems.

Following these tips can make your home more resilient to flooding while also enhancing the beauty and sustainability of your landscape. If you have any questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Get your free copy of our Flood Prevention Checklist for Homeowners.