How to Dry a Sod Lawn Adjacent to Wetlands
Wetlands are valuable ecosystems, providing flood protection, water filtration and water storage. Nearly one half of American birds depend upon these aquatic habitats for nesting areas and food. Hydric or water-loving soils define wetlands. A sod lawn planted adjacent to a wetlands is in conflict with its own moisture requirements. Excessive moisture make sod vulnerable to fungal diseases. In many areas, however, wetlands are protected. A solution, therefore, is not simply to drain the wetlands. Rather to dry a sod lawn and keep it healthy, other solutions must be explored that will not affect the aquatic environment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Examine the landscape of the entire area. Note in particular any low-lying areas or depressions. Notice where these areas lie in relationship to both the lawn and the wetlands. Look for any areas where the water is pooling.
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Observe the water flow patterns of the area. To dry the sod, you first must establish from where the water is coming and how it is flowing onto the lawn. Look for obvious signs of channeling to wetlands such as ditches and eroded patches.
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Dry the sod by diverting water flow onto the lawn by constructing barriers or retaining walls. Make sure the barriers do not interfere with water flow into the wetlands. Attractive stones can create a lovely feature that is both functional and pleasing.
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Replace patio bricks with porous pavers. Installation of porous pavers can reduce water flow from impervious surfaces onto the lawn and thus dry the sod. According to the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District, porous pavers allow water to pass through them and into a storage container or just the underlying ground, preventing runoff onto the lawn.
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Plant a buffer strip around the wetlands. Use native plants to maintain the biodiversity of the wetlands. A buffer strip can absorb water before it flows onto the sod, preventing future moisture issues.
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Plant a rain garden adjacent to the lawn and the wetlands. A rain garden can be constructed by creating a shallow depression on the land and planting it with native perennial plant species. Like porous pavers, a rain garden can divert runoff from roads and driveways, allowing the sod to dry.
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Rake up grass clippings from the lawn after mowing. Clippings left on the lawn will allow the sod to retain moisture. Remove clippings to allow air to circulate and dry the land. Dispose of lawn waste properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Do not use any pesticides on wetland plants. As with draining, intentional destruction of wetlands may be prohibited.
Avoid use of fertilizers near the wetlands to prevent contamination.
