3 Minutes Read
Everyone is familiar with residential landscaping, even on a small scale. When done right, it can transform a homeowner's property in significant ways. There is a lot of time, planning, and consideration that goes into creating the perfect landscape design.
Commercial landscape construction is similar in some ways, but on a much grander scale. Whether working on residential or commercial landscaping, there is one critical feature any landscaping design needs: proper drainage.
What is Commercial Landscaping?
Commercial landscaping is the process of creating a beautiful, aesthetically pleasing outdoor space for businesses and commercial areas. It includes the planning, design, installation, and even maintenance of the landscaped area.
Unlike traditional landscaping, commercial landscape design typically reflects the values of the company or companies within the complex. A commercial landscape design should soften any harsher lines in the architecture and cover unattractive equipment like utility boxes.
Importance of Landscape Design
No landscape design is complete without a reliable drainage system. Commercial landscape drainage helps prevent puddles of standing water which can lead to landscape erosion. Erosion doesn't just make for unattractive landscaping and a waste of money; it can create a dangerous situation–an unstable foundation, flooding, and the potential for mold growth.
Standing water doesn't always lead to problems as severe as erosion and foundation damage. Excessive amounts of standing water can kill grass, plants, and other vegetation and become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.
Commercial Drainage Options
Due to their size, commercial properties require a commercial landscape drainage system. There are a few options to consider:
French Drains
French drains are one option to consider for commercial landscape construction. It is a lower-cost method that consists of a dug-out trench lined in drainage fabric, that holds a perforated pipe covered by permeable rocks or gravel. Water runoff filters through the gravel layer into the pipe and away from the property.
Typically it is connected to a catch basin at the end, where you can clean out large debris. This system can blend seamlessly with the rest of the landscape if done right.
Catch Basins
When water exits a downspout, it needs somewhere to go; otherwise, you will have standing water. By installing catch basins directly under the downspouts on the building, you can catch the water runoff before it even settles on the ground. Catch basins are a great addition to commercial landscape construction, and a decorative drain cover can help make them more aesthetically pleasing.
Slot Drain
Landscape Drains offers the Slot Drain, a grate-free system for a more subtle drainage option. Commercial landscape planners can choose between the 6000 Series and 7000 Series, which both offer high flow rates and a durable stainless steel build.
Slot Drain is an ADA-compliant system with heavy-duty load capacity, making it safe even in high-traffic areas. It is easy to clean and maintain and has an optional Flush Flo system for self-cleaning.
Create a Retention Pond
Creating an artificial pond is another option for managing water runoff. Rainwater can fill the pond and prevent it from pooling on the ground and becoming stagnant. Build a retention pond at a low point in the property, and ensure there is a way to drain it when it begins to get too full. You can also add fish to make the pond more unique. It not only will help to manage water, but it will add yet another beautiful feature to the property for everyone to enjoy.
Dry Creek Bed
Building a dry creek bed is a gully or a trench lined with stones and edged with plants. It is a simple drainage system that functions as a channel for stormwater and leads it to an outlet of your choosing. Stormwater can go towards a swale, a catch basin, or the edge of the property. Taking the time with your dry creek design can ensure that it becomes a seamless part of your landscaping.
Trench Drain
Trench drains provide another solution to commercial landscape drainage. Landscape Drains' Trench Drain system is an ADA-compliant, heavy-duty stainless steel drain designed to easily handle large volumes of water. Decorative grate covers allow you to choose a more aesthetically pleasing design that fits with the rest of your landscaping. Customizable pan lids for the catch basin also ensure no part of the system detracts from your landscape design.
Commercial Drainage That is Practical and Attractive
Commercial landscape drainage is a critical part of landscape design. Drainage systems are essential for water management and help prevent damage to your landscaping and building. There are countless types of systems to choose from, so you will want to take the time to do your research about what will work best for your commercial property. The options above are all reliable and also attractive, so you won't have to worry about them detracting from your overall landscape design.
To discover more about the best options for commercial landscape drainage, contact the experts at Landscape Drains today to learn more.
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