When landscaping on a water front property consider how your project will affect rain water run-off. Rain water run-off can pose a serious threat to water quality. Protecting the water quality of lakes such as Conway Lake helps to preserve a resource for current and future generations while maintaining the value of lakefront property investments. Here are some great projects that can help to slow the flow of run-off.
Build a rain garden
A rain garden is a great way to capture rain run-off and allow the water to soak into the ground. By planting a garden and mulching the soil in a heavy erosion area rain water run-off can be slowed down and potentially absorbed into the soil. At the same time you can enjoy the beauty of your new garden.
Catch roof run-off in a rain barrel
Run-off from roofs on lake side homes can pose a high risk to water quality. Drops falling from a roof edge can cause substantial erosion near the edge of the home. Water moving through a downspout can accumulate and pick up a destructive amount of speed. Collecting this rain water in a large barrel for later use during the drier parts of the summer can both prevent run-off and save on using other water resources at other times of year.
Plant a buffer zone
If your Conway Lake property doesn’t have an established buffer zone, then this is one of the best projects to begin. The simplest method, though slowest, is to stop discouraging (by moving or otherwise) local vegetation. Otherwise you can plant many locally available species to help absorb water run-off. Blueberry plants are a great choice, protecting water quality and providing a late summer treat too!
Leave the rake in the shed
This is one of my favorite projects. I like to do this one while sitting on my porch with a nice glass of lemonade. The duff that is often raked up from in and around trees and other vegetation acts like a sponge to absorb rain water and transfer it into the ground. When that duff is raked up the underlying soil is exposed and more easily eroded. So leave the rake in the shed.
Avoid trimming branches or cutting trees
Branches that overhang roads and driveways will break up and slow falling water, lessening the impact of raindrops on the roadway. Leaving these branches intact goes a long way towards preventing roadway run-off. The best part is that branches naturally grow better toward the open, well lit space above a road!
Conway Lake is one of the cleanest lakes in New Hampshire. Taking on any of these projects will help to protect this resource and maintain the value of your property. For more information on protecting Conway Lake through responsible land ownership, contact Joy Tarbell. As a Conway Lake homeowner and a member of the New Hampshire Lakes Association she can help.