By Louis Silcox as seen in the Baden Outlook
Rain can either soak into the ground for our plants, wells, and aquifers, or run off to the lake via sewers, storm ponds, and rivers. Plant trees to decrease runoff.
- 1 cm of rain on an average urban lot is about 6000 liters of water. Majority is runoff with hardscape and home.
- Same area in wetland/forest, runoff is only 167 liters.
- 400-500 liters (4-5 rain barrels) is collected by a mature tree to slowly trickle to the ground.
- Tree roots stabilize, improve the soil, and increase the soil’s ability to absorb and filter water.
- Water quality is improved in our waterways for aquatic life and our drinking water.
