Transform Turf
Reduce the amount of turf in your yard to slow down stormwater runoff and increase
infiltration, allowing water to percolate into the soil. Identify areas that can be converted from turf to
plantings of trees, shrubs and low-maintenance ground covers to absorb rainwater. Use of native perennials, shrubs
and trees reduces the need for fertilizers and pesticides. Consider more sustainable ways of maintaining the turf
that remains—organic fertilizers, less mowing, use of regional low-maintenance turf blends and minimizing or
eliminating pesticide use.
Trees
Trees are the ultimate multi-taskers. The leafy canopy of a tree intercepts rain, slowing it as it falls to the
ground. Water evaporates from the tree’s large surface area-leaves, branches and trunk. Tree roots contribute
to soil stabilization and make the soil more porous; allowing it to become a ‘sponge’ that readily
absorbs rainfall rather than letting it run off the surface. The growth of a tree depends upon water – tree
size and tree species are two factors that influence how much water a tree uses. These attributes have a
significant impact on stormwater management. In addition, trees add beauty to the landscape while filtering the air
we breathe, providing habitat for wildlife, providing shade, and helping to reduce energy costs for air
conditioning.
Learn more about benefits of trees in your
yard
Learn how to plant a tree
If you have overhead utility lines, do not plant tall trees in that location.
Check with your local municipality to see if it has a tree ordinance regulating the planting and preservation of
trees. Some municipalities, such as the
City of Webster Groves also provide a list of approved
tree species.
Shrubs, Perennials and Groundcover
Shrubs and perennials can be planted in masses to create a low-maintenance planting. Deeper rooted perennials and
low-growing shrubs are useful when planted in large masses as groundcover to replace large expanses of mowed lawn.
Design areas with large groupings of shrubs surrounded by low maintenance perennials that function as ground cover.
The deeper root systems of these plants will increase the porosity of the soil. The maintenance of these types of
plantings, once they are established, is lower than that of mowed turf, typically needing only an annual pruning
with a diminished need for irrigation, fertilizer and pesticide use.
There are plants, both native and non-native, that fit every site requirement, from sun to shade locations, and
from dry to wet soil. Once established, groundcover plantings are relatively low maintenance alternatives to mowed
lawn grass.
Go to the
Select Plants page to download a table with plants that are useful as groundcover.
Prairie and Prairie Gardens
A seeded prairie planting is a low-maintenance, low-cost solution for open areas and is predominantly used for
larger properties. Once established, mowing is needed only once a year and there is no need for irrigation,
fertilizer, or pesticides. Prairie plantings can replace turf and provide a practical option for difficult-to-mow
areas such as slopes and large properties.
For smaller properties and in more formal areas such as entrances and around buildings, a prairie garden is a
viable option. This can be a simple island bed or strip planted with fewer and shorter prairie species. It can be
seeded, planted or a combination of both.
In cases where a naturalistic prairie style may not blend in with a more traditional landscape, design a garden with prairie species and use
containerized plants to create a landscape feature designed to blend with more conventional settings. Some
properties make use of both by seeding larger prairies in the outer areas of the property and planting more
traditionally designed prairie gardens using containerized plants closer to the entrance and home.
Kill or remove existing vegetation prior to planting. Be sensitive to any potential for erosion and take
measures to stabilize the soil. Mow or weed-eat the area to a short height first. Lay a thick layer of newspaper,
mulch, old carpet or plastic over moved vegetation. Vegetation should be dead within one month. Leave the dead
vegetation to prevent soil erosion until you are ready to plant. If you use plastic or carpet, remove it before
planting. When you are ready to plant, do not till or disturb the soil, just dig the planting hole, amend the soil
if necessary and plant.
See the Select Plants page or the Resources page for plant lists, plant selection resources and seeding guides.