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What should I plant in low lying wet area? #835878

Asked June 15, 2023, 6:52 PM EDT

I have l low lying area in my yard that retains water in all but the driest months of the year. It is not in an area that lends itself to installing drainage. Rather than fight nature, I would like to plant native flowers, plants and trees that would thrive in this area. The soil is largely clay with a few inches of topsoil. Any trees couldn’t be taller than 15’ or so when mature because I don’t want to block the sunlight from my neighbors yard. Any suggestions on suitable plants and where to obtain them would be greatly appreciated.

Lorain County Ohio

Expert Response

Hello Dave,

     I have a few ideas of what you may be able to do with the area in question. Would it be possible to provide a few pictures of the area and a rough idea of the size? While you do that I will put together a few ideas for you as plants go . 

Dennis Mohn Replied June 15, 2023, 9:54 PM EDT

Hello Dave,

I was hoping to hear back from you on the size and location, but here are some suggestions that may be helpful.

https://insights.osu.edu/sustainability/rain-gardens

chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://hamilton.osu.edu/sites/hamilton/files/imce/Rain%20Garden%20Guidelines%20Manual.pdf

https://www.provenwinners.com/learn/finding-right-plant/how-fix-wet-spot-your-yard

https://web.extension.illinois.edu/beyond/directory_perennials_wet.cfm

https://extension.psu.edu/trees-shrubs-and-groundcovers-tolerant-of-wet-sites

https://pondinformer.com/wet-soil-shrubs-bushes/

It will require a little reading , but I think the list of plants and suggestions on how to create a rain garden will be helpful

Dennis Mohn Replied June 18, 2023, 6:13 AM EDT
Hi Dennis, 

Sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I appreciate your time and your help.  Here are some pictures of the area. It is dry now but it is typically wet. I was told to remove the tree on the right because it is an ash.  The ground directly to its left is low lying and tends to gather a couple of inches of water.

The area is about 600 square feet.

I’ll read through the links you provided.

Thanks!

Dave


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On Sunday, June 18, 2023, 6:13 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2023, 12:08 PM EDT

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