A bioswale is a vegetated depression that treats stormwater run-off from nearby surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Although similar in appearance to a ditch, a bioswale differs in that it is designed to convey water at a slow speed. Slowing the water enables some of it to infiltrate into the ground, and it also allows solids (dirt and pollutants) to settle out of water that does not infiltrate. Through infiltration and settling of solids, a bioswale helps improve the quality of storm water before it enters nearby streams.

The water’s flow path, along with the wide and shallow ditch, is designed to maximize the time water spends in the swale, which aids the trapping of pollutants and silt. Depending upon the geometry of land available, a bioswale may have a meandering or almost straight channel alignment. Biological factors also contribute to the breakdown of certain pollutants.

A common application is around parking lots, where substantial automotive pollution is collected by the paving and then flushed by rain. The bioswale, or other type of biofilter, wraps around the parking lot and treats the runoff before releasing it to the watershed or storm sewer.

Crystal Greens Landscape recognizes the importance of environmentally friendly practices and we will continue to take all necessary measures to establish the most eco-consious and sustainable properties.