What are naturalized stormwater detention basins?
A naturalized stormwater basin is one that is attractively landscaped and incorporates native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. In what ways are naturalized basins better than traditional basins? The deeper root systems of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers encourage water infiltration and thereby recharge ground water tables and increase stream base flows. Plants increase water quality by trapping sediment and many pollutants found in runoff. The density of vegetation in a naturalized basin helps to slow the stormwater velocity, reduce flooding impacts and cool the water temperature. Wildflowers, trees and shrubs planted in basins create an improved visual appearance. They can help beautify a neighborhood and increase property values. Naturalized basins tend to have vegetation that requires only annual mowing. By decreasing maintenance costs your tax dollars can be diverted to more important township services. To overcome the shortcomings of traditional stormwater basin designs, municipalit
