UF/IFAS Okeechobee County Extension Service

458 Highway 98 North

Okeechobee, FL 34972-2578

Phone: (863) 763-6469

E- mail:  dfculbert@ifas.ufl.edu

June 4, 2003

Feature Article - for release the week of June 8, 2003

Dan Culbert - Extension Horticulture Agent

Run away from Runoff

Our office has been blessed the past few weeks with an extra set of hands.  Brantley Ivey is a student intern from the UF Animal Science Department.  A few days ago, I asked him to install a rain gauge, installed just in time for us to keep tabs on all of that wonderful liquid sunshine that has been falling here around the Lake. We’ve measured 9 ½ inches in two weeks!

With regular rainfall comes another issue, the runoff from our landscapes carries a lot of “stuff” that can end up in the lake.  If we are to reduce the amount on nutrients entering Lake Okeechobee, we must do two things.  First, where ever possible, reduce the amount of nutrients we add to the watershed that leads to the lake.  Secondly, control and reduce the runoff water that carries these nutrients.

I have suggested over the past few weeks ways to reduce fertilizer use,  such as using slow release nutrient sources, adding mulch or compost to landscape beds and simply not overdoing it.  But, what can the average homeowner do about runoff?

Reduce watering is obvious, but what about Mother nature -  what can you do about the rain?  Rain that falls on your Florida yard should soak into your landscape, not go running off into the street.

After all, rainfall is an excellent source of water for your landscape, and reducing runoff will help protect waterways.  Retaining rainfall long enough for it to percolate through the soil is particularly challenging in neighborhoods built before the late 1970's, when storm water treatment ponds were not required. 

Here are a few practical tips for reducing the amount of rainfall that runs off your yard. If the roof of your home has rain gutters, make sure the down spouts are not aimed toward a paved surface.  Turn down spouts into areas with plantings that will make better use of rainfall than letting it run down the driveway and into a storm drain.  Be sure to choose plants for these areas that can adapt to having more water, and be sure water doesn’t pool next to the building. 

Swales (small dips in the ground) and berms (raised areas) can help divert runoff that is rushing from your yard.  A bit of earth shaping can also be an attractive design element in your landscape.  A berm and swale combination might be especially appropriate if your waterfront yard has a “seawall” next to a canal.  That, in combination with a “maintenance free” zone of native plants, can make your yard more lake friendly.  Minor alterations to the lay of the land won’t require permits or engineers, but any major earth work should have the professional touch and will require regulatory review.

Remember Grandma’s old rain barrel?  These ancient “technologies” are making a comeback as water shortages and environmental ethics lead homeowners to use the rain that fall on their property instead of just letting it run off.

Large, plastic rain barrels are now available at home and garden stores.  The barrel looks much like a garbage can  - and indeed,  a garbage can will work too, but add a hole in the top where a roof down spout can fit snugly.  A valve near the bottom allows you to fill a watering can or connect a hose.  These barrels are great for hand watering, and they aren’t mosquito breeding factories as long as it is covered and the down spout fits tightly.  The barrel is not unsightly, and a four foot shrub could easily shield it from view. 

Another idea is “porous” surfaces.  Whenever possible, use bricks, gravel, turf block, mulch, pervious concrete or other porous materials for sidewalks, driveways or patios.  These materials allow rainwater to seep into the ground, helping to filter pollutants and reducing the amount of runoff from your yard.  In some cases they may even cost less to install than typical paving materials. 

If you need additional information on runoff reducing ideas, call or stop by our office at 458 Hwy 98 North.  Our phone number is 763-6469, and you can email us at okeechobee@ifas.ufl.edu.

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Trade names, where used, are given for the purpose of providing specific information. They do not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of products named, nor does it imply criticism of products not named. The Florida Cooperative Extension Service - Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.  Florida Cooperative Extension Service / IFAS / University of Florida.  Larry A.  Arrington, Dean Last update: 06/20/2006 .  This page is maintained by Dan Culbert