Laserfiche WebLink
PUBLIC WORKS <br />EXHIBIT B <br />EVERETT RAIN GARDEN MAINTENANCE PLAN <br />Ongoing maintenance of the rain garden ensures that it functions properly and becomes a <br />positive example for future rain garden projects. The Rain Garden Handbook for Western <br />Washington Homeowners by Washington State University Extension provides further <br />maintenance details. <br />Debris removal: Check the inlet in the rain garden for garbage and debris throughout the year. <br />Before the rainy season begins in September, check for debris to ensure that storm water <br />drains freely into the rain garden. <br />Mulching: A 3" layer of medium bark mulch or arborist wood chips will help block weeds from <br />sprouting on the soil surface, will help keep the soil moist, and will help prevent soil compaction <br />from light foot traffic. <br />Watering: In order to ensure that plants get well established, plants will need deep watering <br />during the drier months for the first two or three years. Remember to water after a dry period <br />even when the planting beds are established. <br />Weeding: Weed the planting beds 3 - 5 times a year to keep invasive plants and weeds under <br />control. Some plants may need to be deadheaded or lightly pruned. <br />Fertilizing: Do not apply fertilizers to your rain garden. The rain garden soil mix provides plenty <br />of nutrients and your garden is planted with native plants that are adapted to this region, no <br />fertilizing is needed. <br />Herbicides and Pesticides: Do not use herbicides or pesticides in your rain garden. <br />Erosion control. Check the rain garden for areas of exposed soil, particularly in the fall before <br />the wet season begins, as well as in the winter. If erosion persists in the rain garden, too much <br />water may be flowing into the garden too rapidly. <br />Plant replacement: Occasionally certain plants in the new rain garden will not thrive or <br />become a problem in the rain garden. Make a note of which plants did not function well and <br />why. Replace plants as needed. <br />Exhibit B to Rain Garden Maintenance Agreement <br />