Are you a commercial property manager in Raleigh-Durham struggling to meet stormwater compliance regulations in regards to aquatic plants and water quality? Discover how our expert aquatic planting services can transform your stormwater system, adhere to local compliance regulations, improve property aesthetics, and enhance environmental sustainability. Act now, peak planting season in the Raleigh-Durham area is April through September!

Thriving pickerel weed established throughout a Raleigh, North Carolina stormwater wetland.

Maximizing Stormwater Benefits with Aquatic Plants

Aquatic plants are a key design element in wet detention ponds and stormwater wetlands. In most municipalities, commercial property stormwater systems lacking aquatic plants can trigger a Notice of Violation. Planting, or replanting is often required, which can be complex and costly. Aquatic plants should only be installed by an experienced stormwater vendor. Dragonfly’s Raleigh-Durham stormwater management experts will help you understand your stormwater device, municipal requirements, and the key benefits of aquatic plants.

Key Benefits of Aquatic Plants Include:

Improve water quality by slowing flow and settling solids
Transform or immobilize pollutants, enhancing water quality
Provide attachment areas for microbes that convert nitrate to nitrogen gas, reducing harmful effects
Help stabilize shorelines and protect against erosion
Create habitats for beneficial insects, such as dragonflies, which serve as natural mosquito control
When properly maintained, most aquatic plants will also improve the aesthetics of your property by providing color during most of the growing season

Case Study: Stormwater Wetland Planting in Raleigh-Durham

Stormwater wetlands are highly efficient in controlling stormwater runoff while enhancing natural habitats and improving water quality. Compared to other systems like wet or dry ponds, stormwater wetlands feature abundant aquatic plants throughout the system that are very effective at removing pollutants. These wetlands also minimize flooding risks, prevent stagnant water, attract beneficial wildlife like dragonflies for mosquito control, and contribute to the overall beauty of the area.

Aquatic plants are costly to install and should only be installed by a stormwater professional, as timing and location of plantings are key to survival. Dragonfly’s stormwater corrective team has extensive experience completing large aquatic plantings, including a Durham project where we installed 11,000 native aquatic plants across a newly constructed stormwater wetland. We incorporated nine plant varieties carefully selected to accommodate different elevations within the system. This strategic approach optimizes the wetland's efficiency as a stormwater control measure.

Durham Stormwater Wetland Planting Process:

Crews operate machinery to disperse topsoil and grade a Durham, North Carolina wetland basin.

To ensure the healthy growth of the aquatic plants, our stormwater corrective crew initiated the project by spreading 3" of topsoil throughout the converted basin. Despite the challenge posed by heavy rain, which filled the basin prematurely, our dedicated Raleigh-Durham team promptly pumped out the water. This allowed us to resume the planting process and meet our client's schedule requirements effectively.

Stormwater corrective team plants switchgrass along the perimeter of a newly constructed wetland.

The selected plant varieties, including Button Bush, Switchgrass, Blue Flag Iris, Rose Mallow, Lizard's Tail, Pickerel Weed, Pond Lily, Square Stem Bulrush, and Softstem Bulrush, were strategically placed based on elevation and water depth in the constructed wetland.

Left: An auger is used to bore holes to ensure proper planting depth. Right: Dragonfly crew installs Button Bush in the wetland.

The use of an auger ensured proper planting depth for Button Bush in the shallow land areas of the system, along with the other beneficial plants throughout the Durham wetland.

Prior to installation, meticulous planning and layout were conducted to ensure optimal spacing and functionality of the stormwater system.

Maximizing Establishment and Survival

It is imperative that you work with a specialized stormwater vendor to avoid mistakes and costly "do-overs" as ponds and stormwater systems require different treatment than typical landscaping applications.

Key factors for optimal results:
- Manage water levels effectively
- Prepare the soil appropriately
- Employ proper installation methods, including strategic location selection
- Protect against wildlife damage, particularly from geese and ducks
- Recommend suitable substitutions where applicable
Ensuring Long-Term Effectiveness:
- Maintain your stormwater device after planting to establish and preserve plant health
- Prevent invasive plants from overtaking and compromising system functionality
- Beware of landscaping crews inadvertently eliminating beneficial plants while treating invasive species or allowing invasives to outcompete natives

Expert Maintenance for Optimal Performance

Regular maintenance of wetlands by experienced stormwater specialists is vital for long-term effectiveness. At Dragonfly Pond Works, our knowledgeable Raleigh-Durham maintenance experts excel in ensuring the thriving of appropriate aquatic plants while managing and preventing invasive vegetation. Unlike landscaping crews, who lack the expertise in maintaining aquatic systems, our team possesses the necessary knowledge and skills to maximize the beauty and functionality of your stormwater system.

Partner with Dragonfly Pond Works in Raleigh-Durham & Beyond

When it comes to stormwater compliance and water quality improvement, Dragonfly Pond Works is your trusted partner. Our specialized services, including professional aquatic planting, ensure the success of your stormwater system while protecting the environment. With our expertise, your commercial property in Raleigh-Durham can meet regulatory requirements and contribute to a healthier, more beautiful ecosystem. Contact us today to discover how we can maximize the benefits of aquatic plants and maintain your stormwater system effectively with our customized solutions.

Stormwater Aquatic Planting, Maintenance, Repairs, & More

Learn about our additional stormwater corrective repair and reconstruction capabilities. We complete some of Raleigh-Durham’s largest stormwater construction projects. See our process to rebuild a Raleigh bioretention.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive informative and engaging news delivered right to your inbox.

Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for news, events, and more!

Dragonfly Pond Works provides specialized pond and stormwater aquatic planting, reconstruction, compliance repairs, routine maintenance, and more in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, and Wilmington, North Carolina, Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville, South Carolina, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Florida, Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, DC Metro, Northern Virginia, and Rockville, Gaithersburg, and surrounding Maryland.

Enhancing Stormwater Compliance: Expert Aquatic Planting in Raleigh-Durham