Backyard Wetland: Where to Put a Wetland
Backyard Wetland
Where to Put a Wetland
If you have a naturally occurring wet spot in your yard, or a low swale or drainageway with heavy clay soils, you easily can turn it into a wetland paradise. Even if you do not have a naturally wet spot, you can establish an area in your yard to grow many of the beautiful plants associated with wetlands.
A natural depression or ditch that tends to stay wet is an ideal place to develop a wetland. Other areas with heavy clay soils that drain slowly may also be suitable. Better drained sites may require use of a plastic or other type of liner. Of course, if you are building a backyard pond, as discussed in another tip sheet in this series, a shallow area of saturated soil can be incorporated in the design. When selecting a site, consider:
1. Is the site away from your foundation, out buildings, existing landscaping that you want to maintain, or neighboring properties that might be damaged by excessive moisture?
2. Would there be a safety concern for neighborhood children?
3. How will the site be integrated into your plan for maintenance?
4. If you need supplemental water, is it readily available or can you use roof drainage?
5. If there is an existing wetland, check state and local wetland regulations before altering it.
6. Unless you completely own a ditch, check with local authorities before making any alterations. Be sure you won't cause adjacent properties to flood.
Where to Put a Wetland
If you have a naturally occurring wet spot in your yard, or a low swale or drainageway with heavy clay soils, you easily can turn it into a wetland paradise. Even if you do not have a naturally wet spot, you can establish an area in your yard to grow many of the beautiful plants associated with wetlands.
A natural depression or ditch that tends to stay wet is an ideal place to develop a wetland. Other areas with heavy clay soils that drain slowly may also be suitable. Better drained sites may require use of a plastic or other type of liner. Of course, if you are building a backyard pond, as discussed in another tip sheet in this series, a shallow area of saturated soil can be incorporated in the design. When selecting a site, consider:
1. Is the site away from your foundation, out buildings, existing landscaping that you want to maintain, or neighboring properties that might be damaged by excessive moisture?
2. Would there be a safety concern for neighborhood children?
3. How will the site be integrated into your plan for maintenance?
4. If you need supplemental water, is it readily available or can you use roof drainage?
5. If there is an existing wetland, check state and local wetland regulations before altering it.
6. Unless you completely own a ditch, check with local authorities before making any alterations. Be sure you won't cause adjacent properties to flood.
Backyard Pond - Backyard Wetland - Composting - Mulching - Terracing Slopes