Heavy rainfall in January reminded southern Californians that El Niño will produce extra precipitation this winter and spring. While expected rain will aid the statewide drought, Heaviland Landscape Management reminds property owners and managers that there are important steps to take in order to maintain your landscape investment during heavy rains.
“If property is not prepared for heavy storms, rainwater full of fertilizers and other chemicals can run off into inappropriate areas and eventually get dumped into the ocean,” said Rajan Brown, Heaviland's vice president of resource management. “Additionally, appropriate storm water management is necessary to help prevent flooding, erosion and structural property damage, which can lead to costly repairs.”
Heaviland Landscape Management suggests property managers use these tips to safeguard their landscaping and property prior to floods:
Heavy rainfall in January reminded southern Californians that El Niño will produce extra precipitation this winter and spring. While expected rain will aid the statewide drought, Heaviland Landscape Management reminds property owners and managers that there are important steps to take in order to maintain your landscape investment during heavy rains.
“If property is not prepared for heavy storms, rainwater full of fertilizers and other chemicals can run off into inappropriate areas and eventually get dumped into the ocean,” said Rajan Brown, Heaviland's vice president of resource management. “Additionally, appropriate storm water management is necessary to help prevent flooding, erosion and structural property damage, which can lead to costly repairs.”
Heaviland Landscape Management suggests property managers use these tips to safeguard their landscaping and property prior to floods:
- Maintain storm drains and catch basins free of trash, sediment, roots and plant debris, allowing for water to flow through drains instead of pooling around them. To help prevent sediment build-up in drains, install a rock border at least 6 inches wide around the drainage intake.
- Keep brow ditches and V-ditches free of debris, regularly clearing drain outlets and weep-holes of sediment. Over-irrigation during dry times can cause erosion and sediment and chemicals can build up.
- The most environmentally dangerous time for a property is during initial construction while land is being cleared and graded. To protect these areas during heavy rainfall, install a silt fence or straw wattle around drains to create flow channels for storm water to flow.
If property is conducive to flooding, larger solutions such as permeable pavers or bioswales may be a better option. Heaviland Landscape Management can provide additional consultation and service to determine what will be the best storm water management solution for a commercial property.
“These are important measures that property managers can take to prevent property loss and ensure safety,” said Brown. “Proactive storm water management like this can help keep our watersheds and oceans pollution free.”
Heaviland Landscape Management is a commercial landscape management company recognized as a premier contractor of choice in Southern California. It is committed to protecting and enhancing the landscape investment of its customers with its team of professionals that implement the best horticultural practices. Heaviland serves all of San Diego County from its three locations in Vista, Miramar and South Bay. Services include landscape design, installation and enhancements; full service landscape maintenance; and resource management. Founded in 1985, the family-owned company is headquartered in Vista and has served the San Diego area for 30 years.
