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Bio-Retention Areas: Rain Gardens

04

Dec
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Services

Rain Gardens, also called bio-retention areas, are key components for erosion control and stormwater management. Following the EPA\’92s recommendations for low-impact development (LID), rain gardens use natural resources as a way to keep polluted stormwater away from bodies of water.

Recent NPDES Phase II Regulations and the Stormwater Pollution Protection Plan (SWPPP) have placed new importance upon erosion control, stormwater management, and bio-retention areas for use in modern landscaping.

Purpose of Rain Gardens

The main purpose of bio-retention areas is to improve the water quality of nearby streams, creeks, ponds, and lakes by preventing fertilizers and pesticides from entering them. Rain gardens are recessed areas of land typically made of soil, mulch, and native plants. They are designed to accommodate and drain runoff rainwater from nearby structures (roofs, parking lots and driveways). Property owners appreciate both the natural beauty of rain gardens and that they promote drainage (which help to reduce local flooding and damage). Depending upon a property\’92s needs, bio-retention cells can be large or small; they can be designed as several smaller gardens to minimize their overall impact.

Environmental Benefits of Rain Gardens

The EPA has stated that stormwater runoff is a major cause of water pollution today. Rain gardens work to minimize the stormwater runoff and pollutants that enter local rivers, streams and creeks (even the Long Island Sound). Stormwater that sinks into drains and surface waters can cause erosion, pollution, flooding and groundwater problems; rain gardens have been shown to positively reduce the amount of pollution by as much as a third. Rain gardens work to filter out pollutants from entering nearby bodies of water. As they are often planted with native plants, provide food as well, rain gardens also provide shelter for local wildlife.

Constructing Rain Gardens

Bio-retention areas can be designed to fit in with any landscape. Most rain gardens contain the following elements:

    • Grass
    • Pants
    • Mulch or gravel
    • Soil
    • Sand (to filter out pollutants) 

Depending upon their size and complexity, rain gardens can also be built with underdrain systems to direct the filtered excess water to nearby storm drains. Ideally, bio-retention areas should be located at least ten feet (but not more than 30 feet) away from runoff producing structures (such as driveways or roofs) to ensure adequate drainage.

Many shrubs and plants native to Connecticut such as Switchgrass and the Mountain Laurel) are ideal for rain gardens as natives typically need less fertilizer, pesticides, and watering than their exotic counterparts. Additionally, natives typically have extensive root systems that can easily accommodate storm-water drainage.

Key Takeaway

Low Impact Development (LID) and rain gardens are here to stay. The installation of bio-retention areas in a development or community is in compliance with the NPDES Phase II regulations and Storm Water Pollution Protection Plans for reducing water pollution.

All Seasons Landscaping knows rain gardens, native plants and wetlands planting; if your project requires installation of a rain garden, make All Seasons Landscaping your first and last call. We\’92ve been in the business since 1975 and we employ Best Management Practices for effective water pollution control (BMP). As one of the leading landscaping contractors in Connecticut, there\’92s no job too large for us; you can see examples of our work throughout Connecticut and the surrounding states.

Talk to us about your project

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The Importance of Landfill Erosion Control Through Hydroseeding

06

Aug
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Hydroseeding, Services

Hydroseeding is changing the way Connecticut landfill owners manage their operations. This convenient technology replaces the need for dump trucks full of soil and the labor-intensive filling, spreading, and dumping of soil for a daily cover. Saving time and labor is just one of the many advantages to using hydroseeding for CT landfill erosion control. hammocks-hydroseed-full-2

Advantages to using Hydroseeding for Landfill Erosion Control and Daily Cover

Hydroseeding for Landfill Erosion Control offers several advantages over the traditional landfill daily cover of soil. Chief among these is efficiency. Using hydroseeding equipment to spread an approved alternate daily cover (ADC) of mulched recycled newspaper, polymers, and biological stimulants uses far fewer man-hours than hauling, tipping, and spreading dump trucks full of soil. Fewer man-hours mean lower labor costs and ultimately a healthier bottom line.

Dramatically lowering labor costs, however, is not the only benefit to using hydroseeding and an ADC. Such a landfill daily cover helps to prevent erosion by staying securely in place rather than being subject to mudslides and wind as dirt cover can be.

Hydroseeding and an ADC also help:

    • Repel vermin and other animals
    • Control dust
    • Help to prevent fire hazards
    • Reduce odor
    • Minimize blowing litter.

Hydroseeding with an ADC extends the life of your landfill. By reducing the air space that’s needed for soil cover, using an ADC can make your landfill handle more waste and last months, if not years, longer.

Hydroseeding helps Connecticut landfill operations stay within the EPA’s Phase II NPDES Storm Water Management program and Storm Water Pollution Protection plan guidelines. Using ADC as a daily and final cover is an effective method of drainage and erosion control in Connecticut landfills. This blown-in cover stays in place, unlike traditional soil covers that can shift during severe weather, causing potentially hazardous run-off. Not only do ADCs stay in place, but the polymers and recycled paper in the mixture help to absorb moisture rather than letting the rainwater pool at the base of the landfill.

Key Takeaways 

If you’re not using an ADC and hydroseeding for your Connecticut landfill erosion control, you’re missing out on an affordable, fast, and effective way to control erosion and help your company improve its bottom line. If you haven’t already started using an ADC, it’s time to consider using this technology in your operation.

When you are in a bind, All Seasons Landscaping has the experience and skill to solve your Connecticut Landfill Erosion Control quickly and effectively. If you are need of hydroseeding services please click the button below to talk to us about your project.

 

CT Erosion Control Guidelines: When to Use an Erosion Control Blanket

22

Jul
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Services

Connecticut erosion control guidelines as well as those by the U.S. EPA encourage the use erosion control blankets to prevent pollution from storm water run-off and to help keep soil in place on steep grades. In fact, by 2014, all construction projects that disturb 10 or more acres of land will be required to submit an erosion control plan in writing to obtain the necessary permits. Erosion control blankets are one solution to this problem. Such devices are available in a variety of forms, both temporary and permanent, and can benefit a number of different types of job sites in a variety of industries.

Types of Erosion Control Blankets

There are 14 classes of erosion control blankets, each designed for specific uses and job sites. Within each broad category, there are different weights, designed for different grades and to withstand different stress levels. erosion-control-home

    • Netting — Made of natural fiber mesh, this type of temporary CT erosion control is useful for landscapers and helps to keep mulch and seed in place for a short period of time, such as until the plants are mature enough to offer their own erosion control. This netting also helps to keep the ground at a consistent temperature and moisture level, helping seeds to germinate and develop more quickly.
    • Biodegradable erosion control blanket — This type of blanket is made from natural materials and lasts from one to five years. This product is ideal for temporary job sites, such as new commercial construction sites, that will be completed during the one to five-year time frame.
    • Permanent turf reinforcement mat — Some job sites, such as highway projects, require more permanent erosion control. For instance, DOT erosion control in Connecticut requires that all DOT projects in the state use matting for stabilization to minimize run off on exposed slopes during the winter months.
    • Permanent erosion control blanket — This type of permanent erosion control is useful for those working in CT landscape construction. It can be used around ponds to keep the water from wearing down the sides and destroying vegetation.

All types of blankets are non-toxic both to plants and humans while requiring little maintenance.

Whether you work in landscaping, new home or commercial building construction or road construction, erosion control blankets are an effective solution to a number of soil problems. They can help your company meet the new EPA regulations and concentrate on getting your job done.

Contact All Seasons Landscaping

If you are in need of soil erosion control in CT contact All Seasons Landscaping. We have decades of proven experience with several types of erosion control methods. To learn more visit our website here or click the photograph below to submit your soil erosion project.

The Effect Natural Disasters have on Hydroseed & Erosion Control

11

Jun
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Hydroseeding, Services

While natural disasters such as floods, fires, hurricanes and tornados can destroy miles of property in a short amount of time, everyday weather such as wind, rain and snow can also cause just as many problems on our jobsites. The unpredictable weather patterns inherent of our New England climate have a huge impact on the Earths soil, creating concerns for erosion control, storm water runoff control, and the creation of new developments. This makes soil protection a major priority for our industry. erosion-control-home

Something we cannot control is the affect that Mother Nature has on our environment. The damage caused can be devastating. For example, not only can fires destroy mass amounts of homes, but land as well. Hillsides and large areas of open land that are left exposed can become overwhelmed with rain, causing soil to slide and pour onto highways, waterways and homes.

It is then up to the professionals to try and fix the damage caused by weather. While this is a substantial job to complete, there are several methods and types of equipment that can help restore damaged areas and protect existing areas of the Earth\’92s soil.

Hydroseeding

Hydroseeding is a method that prevents soil erosion and creates an environment that is beneficial for plant growth because it is a combination of water, wood fiber mulch, seed and fertilizer.

With the new types of improved equipment available, it is becoming easier to hydro seed larger areas in a more efficient amount of time. The equipment is beneficial because it is able to access hard-to-reach areas, as well as use a variety of materials in each machine. The machines come in several different sizes in order to best complete individual jobs. Hydro seed makes it possible to plant seed, apply fertilizer, and install erosion control measures in individual applications, or combine them all together in one single application. Hydroseed when combined with a Flexible Growth Medium (FGM) and Bonded Fiber Matrix (BFM) allows water to run down a slope when it rains. When mulch is added and applied with seed, erosion issues are taken care of.

Hydro seed continues to be one of the easiest, cost and time efficient methods for controlling soil erosion and vegetation problems on job sites.

Erosion Control Matting and Blankets

Erosion control mats and blankets are other forms of erosion control protection for use on steep to moderate slopes, new landscaped areas, and drainage swales, channels, and ditches. These biodegradable devices are anchored into the ground with pins or staples, and have lots of ridges and crevices that help slow down the velocity of water, increasing water infiltration into the soil. These covers are often used during establishment of seed to increase germination while preventing erosion and storm water runoff on difficult sites. Erosion control mats and blankets can be made out of woven synthetic or natural fibers, or both. Some common materials are straw, coconut fiber, aspen fiber, jute, and polypropylene. There are different grades of these materials, depending on the severity of the slope and potential for high water runoff.

Hiring the right Landscaping Contractor

Investing in equipment for hydro seed or mulching can save your company significant time and money.  While it is a large investment the need to preserve our Earths soil has become greater than ever with the recent natural disasters that have been occurring. It is imperative that companies have the necessary equipment and knowledge to complete these jobs correctly and efficiently. Proven experience from subcontractors makes it easier for contractors to complete soil erosion or hydro seed projects on their construction sites quickly and efficiently.


The Difference Between a Detention Basin and a Retention Basin

07

May
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Services

Basins play an important role in storm water management on new construction sites.   Basins control Storm water flow in critical areas to prevent flooding and erosion.  The basins eventually release some or all of the contained water at slow controlled rates as to not impact surrounding areas.   

The main difference between detention and retention ponds is whether or not they contain a permanent body of water.  A detention basin or dry basin is a basin that does not permanently have water in it.  A detention basin will contain water after a storm and will eventually drain out and remain dry between storm events.  In comparison, retention basins are intended to always have some permanent body of water.   Retention basins water level will rise following a storm and will slowly subside to its normal level.

An experienced landscape contractor needs to know the difference between these basins as the seed mixtures and vegetation that are selected will vary depending on the type of basin.  Seed mixes and plant material should be decided based on the water level and typical conditions.  In addition to seed mix selection, it also is important to select the correct species and verify proper placement of the plant materials. Selecting the wrong species or planting in an improper location could easily be fatal to the plant material and also reduce the effectiveness of the basin as well as its ability to prevent erosion. Typically an assortment of aquatic plugs and native plant materials are ideal for these wetland sites.  Aquatic loving plants should not be mulched, because as the water level rises it will remove and carry away mulch and leave the area bare and susceptible to erosion. The best solution is to utilize a seed mixture that is specifically labeled for wet areas and basins which in turn will provide suitable vegetative coverage.

Employing an experienced wetland landscaping contractor will greatly increase the intended outcome of a planned detention or retention basin\’92s construction. If you are in need of these services contact All Seasons Landscaping to learn more.

The Facts About Pro Matrix Engineered Fiber Matrix

25

Apr
2013
Posted By : ASL Admin 0 Comment
Categories :Erosion Control, Hydroseeding, Services

As spring quickly approaches the need for hydro seed and erosion control services will be in high demand. While some may still argue in favor of laid erosion control blanket solutions, hydraulic products that can be sprayed in a timely and environmentally safe manner are proving to be a better option.

Pro Matrix Engineered Fiber Matrix

Although there are several options for products to control erosion and establish vegetation the purpose of this article is to discuss the numerous benefits of ProMatrix Engineered Fiber Matrix (EFM). This product provides exceptional performance at a competitive price with environmentally safe benefits.

This Engineered Fiber Matrix was created to provide an edge when bidding on jobs that require Bonded Fiber Matrix and Stabilized Mulch Matrix hydraulic products. This product ensures erosion control and vegetative establishment is available at a fair price. This BFM holds the highest loading formulation with a ratio of 60 pounds per 100 gallons of water. The tank is able to hold 20% more, which enables quick loading. This combination ensures that the product is thoroughly mixed and equally distributed in a timely manner.

Not only does Pro Matrix Engineered Fiber Matrix have benefits for performance, but it is also safe, non-toxic, contains 100% recycled wood fibers and is 100% biodegradable. The 100% recycled thermally refined wood fibers are photo-sanitized which aid in eliminating weed seeds and pathogens. The fibers also help increase the strength and durability due to the interlocking man-made crimped fibers.

Overall, ProMatrix EFM is an easy to apply cost effective solution. The advanced solution optimizes water and nutrient retention resulting in a long lasting performance with longevity of up to 12 months. It\’92s quick germination and rapid vegetative establishment make this product efficient for jobs that need to be completed in a timely manner. It is a product with multiple benefits that contractors should be utilizing on their hydro seed and erosion control projects.

 

Learn More

 

If you are in need of hydro seed or erosion control projects contact All Seasons Landscaping and learn more about our services. 

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