Trees in rain gardens - Ask Extension
Our local watershed is requiring us to build a large rain garden in an area of our yard that currently collects 75% of the runoff from our house. Whe...
Knowledgebase
Trees in rain gardens #888590
Asked October 23, 2024, 1:07 PM EDT
Our local watershed is requiring us to build a large rain garden in an area of our yard that currently collects 75% of the runoff from our house. When it does rain, even the heaviest of rain events, the water which may pool to 6-8" in depth, disappears within 24 hours. We had planned to plant several trees in this area but they want a rain garden.
Can we find a compromise of trees, (evergreen and hardwood) that will be acceptable to add to the raingarden? We're not concerned that the occasional standing water will be a problem for the trees because it is very rare and generally dissipates within 24-36 hours.
Washington County Minnesota
Expert Response
Woody plants in rain gardens are usually limited to shrubs and small trees. Large trees may be acceptable depending upon the rain garden's size and location.
Have you asked watershed district staff whether it's OK to plant some large trees in or near the rain garden? If that's not permitted in your case, they should be glad to explain why.
As you probably know, many lists of plants suitable for rain gardens can be found online. Here is an example:
https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/rain-gardens-go-with-the-flow/
Have you asked watershed district staff whether it's OK to plant some large trees in or near the rain garden? If that's not permitted in your case, they should be glad to explain why.
As you probably know, many lists of plants suitable for rain gardens can be found online. Here is an example:
https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/rain-gardens-go-with-the-flow/
