Recommended maintenance activities for bioretention areas.
Link to this table
Activity Schedule
  • Prune and weed to maintain appearance.
  • Mulch replacement when erosion is evident.
  • Remove trash and debris.
  • Mow filter strip
As needed
  • Inspect inflow points for clogging (off-line systems). Remove any sediment.
  • Inspect filter strip/grass channel for erosion or gullying. Re-seed or sod as necessary.
  • Trees and shrubs should be inspected to evaluate their health and remove any dead or severely diseased vegetation.
Semi-annually
  • Inspect and remove any sediment and debris build-up in pre-treatment areas.
  • Inspect inflow points and bioretention surface for build up of road sand associated with spring melt period. Remove as necessary and replant areas that have been impacted by sand/salt build up.
Annually
  • Replace mulch over the entire area.
  • Replace pea gravel diaphragm or filter fabric if warranted.
  • The planting soils should be tested for pH to establish acidic levels. If the pH is below 5.2, limestone should be applied. If the pH is above 7.0 to 8.0, then iron sulfate plus sulfur can be added to reduce the pH.
2 to 3 years

This page was last edited on 13 February 2013, at 14:14.