Rainscaping Guide: What Do You Know About Your Site?

Check with your local municipality for landscaping regulations that may apply in your community.

You may want to create a scaled drawing of existing conditions. Mapping the property in a scaled drawing provides key information as to where rainwater management practices can be implemented. In addition, this will help you identify problem areas in the landscape that need to be solved. Then you can create a drawing that incorporates your chosen designs.

Download graph paper to begin making your scaled drawing
Download drawing instructions and an example

Consider including the following in your drawing (click on each topic in the flowchart below to view that section):

Identify Human Use Areas

Note commonly traveled pathways and areas that are frequently used. Leave these sections of the landscape open using mowed turf, paths and/or patios to define those spaces. There are permeable products that are useful for creating patios and sitting areas as well as for pathways while still allowing rainwater to soak into the ground. Permeable pavement and brick or flagstone over a gravel base are commonly used. Other permeable options for pathways include mulch (wood or gravel) and stepping stones with low ground cover.

Continue on to Identify Existing Vegetation