Berms & Swales Installation in Baltimore and Washington DC

Control Water Flow Naturally with Berms & Swales from Pro Landscapes MD

At Pro Landscapes MD, we specialize in natural, sustainable solutions for managing stormwater and preventing erosion through the strategic use of berms and swales. These landscape features not only control the flow of water on your property but also enhance its aesthetic and ecological value. Whether you’re dealing with runoff issues or want to incorporate sustainable drainage methods into your landscape design, our team can provide custom berm and swale installations tailored to your property’s specific needs.

What Are Berms & Swales?

Berms are raised mounds of soil designed to direct water flow, block or divert stormwater, and improve landscape design. They help prevent water from accumulating in unwanted areas and are commonly used to redirect water to designated drainage zones or garden beds.

Swales, on the other hand, are shallow, gently sloped channels designed to capture, slow down, and direct water runoff. Unlike traditional drainage systems, swales are lined with grass or plants to absorb water, prevent erosion, and filter pollutants. Swales guide water toward areas where it can naturally infiltrate the ground or be redirected to ponds, rain gardens, or other water management features.

Benefits of Berms & Swales:

• Erosion Control: Berms and swales help slow down water runoff, reducing soil erosion and preventing landscape damage.
• Natural Water Management: These features offer an eco-friendly way to manage stormwater and prevent flooding.
• Aesthetic Value: Berms can be landscaped with plants, trees, or flowers to enhance your garden’s visual appeal, while swales can be designed as attractive, functional elements of your landscape.
• Improved Soil & Water Quality: Swales filter pollutants and increase groundwater recharge, improving the health of your soil and water systems.

Our Berms & Swales Services

At Pro Landscapes MD, we provide customized design and installation services for berms and swales. Our team assesses your property to identify the best locations for these features, ensuring effective water management while enhancing the overall aesthetics of your landscape.

1. Custom Berm Design & Installation

Berms are incredibly versatile and can be used for both practical and aesthetic purposes. We design berms that seamlessly blend into your landscape, guiding water away from problem areas or creating privacy barriers with added plantings.

Our Berm Services Include:

• Water Diversion: Berms effectively redirect water flow to prevent flooding and protect your home or landscape from excess moisture.
• Landscaping & Planting: Enhance the appearance of your berm with trees, shrubs, and flowers, turning it into an attractive feature that also serves a functional purpose.
• Erosion Prevention: Berms help stabilize the soil and prevent erosion in areas that experience heavy runoff.

2. Custom Swale Design & Installation

Swales are an excellent solution for managing stormwater naturally and preventing erosion. We design swales that capture and slow water runoff, allowing it to be absorbed into the ground rather than causing damage to your landscape.

Our Swale Services Include:

• Stormwater Management: Swales guide water away from your home or driveway, capturing and filtering stormwater naturally.
• Infiltration & Filtration: Swales are lined with vegetation that filters pollutants from the water, improving the quality of runoff that infiltrates your soil.
• Erosion Control: By slowing down water flow, swales prevent erosion and reduce the risk of damage to your landscape during heavy rainfall.

Why Choose Berms & Swales for Water Management?

Sustainable Water Management: Unlike traditional drainage systems that rely on pipes and grates, berms and swales offer a natural way to manage stormwater. These features allow water to slowly infiltrate the ground, reducing runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.

Eco-Friendly Design: Berms and swales are environmentally friendly solutions that help improve the health of your landscape while promoting biodiversity. The plants in swales filter pollutants from runoff, while berms can be landscaped with native plants to support local ecosystems.

Aesthetic Flexibility: Both berms and swales can be designed to complement the natural beauty of your property. Berms can be planted with trees or shrubs to create visual interest or provide privacy, while swales can be integrated into your garden as part of a rain garden or natural drainage system.

Get Started with Pro Landscapes MD’s Berms & Swales Services

Looking for an eco-friendly way to manage stormwater and protect your landscape from erosion? Contact Pro Landscapes MD today to schedule a consultation and begin designing your custom berms and swales. Our expert team is ready to create a sustainable water management solution that enhances the beauty and health of your property.

Call us at (410) 940-9664 or fill out our online form to request a free estimate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Berms & Swales

How do berms and swales work together?
Berms and swales often work together to control water flow. Berms divert water toward swales, where it can be absorbed or redirected to a safe drainage area. This combination provides a natural way to manage stormwater and prevent erosion.

What kind of plants work best in swales?
Native plants, grasses, and water-tolerant shrubs are ideal for swales. These plants absorb water, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for local wildlife. Our team will help you select the best vegetation for your swale based on your climate and soil conditions.

Do berms and swales require maintenance?
Once established, berms and swales require minimal maintenance. Regular checks for plant health and occasional trimming or replanting may be needed to keep the vegetation thriving and ensure water continues to flow properly.