I recently listed a new construction bank foreclosure in my area. After checking with the City of Ozark, I learned that a Certificate of Occupancy had not yet been issued on the home. In order for us to receive an certificate, the City was requiring the yard to be regraded and a bioswell installed.
What is a bioswell?
I had no idea, but I found a great resource at the local Rural Development office. Simply defined, a bioswell is just a method of landscaping used to control water runoff as an alternative to using culverts or pipes. It looks like ordinary landscaping, the only difference is the mulched area you see in the photo is actually about 3-4' deep. By digging a deep channel, the water is redirected. You can fill the channel with mulch, which is very permeable and decorative, and effectively disguise your water runoff system. Planting shrubs and flowers will allow the water to be absorbed at a faster rate.
One of the most interesting things I learned was that old carpet is the best weed barrier. Who would have thought? It is the most effective at allowing water to penetrate, yet does not allow weeds to grow up through it.
So...next time you decide to update your landscaping, try calling your local carpet shop and ask for remnants. The best part....it will probably be free.
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Lina Robertson Jones
Owner/Agent
RE/MAX Solutions
1715 James River Road
Ozark, MO, 65721 |
Mobile: (417) 844-7265
linarobertson@remax.net
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RE/MAX - Outstanding Agents, Outstanding Results!
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About the author: I am full-time REALTOR® with RE/MAX Solutions in Springfield, MO, and a member of the Greater Springfield Board of REALTORS®. I have helped hundreds of families in the Springfield, Nixa, Republic and Ozark real estate markets, whether buying a home, or selling a home. Visit my website at www.ozarks-realestate.com to search for All Springfield MO Area MLS listings. Want to know what our market is like? My website is also an excellent resource for current Springfield MO Area Real Estate Market Reports, as well as current market reports for Ozark, Nixa, Republic, and Rogersville.
Love the carpet idea. I never would have thought of that, of course you'd have to precut holes for whatever plants you want to install. I can't imaging how hard it would be to "dig" through carpet =)
Are you telling me I just need to carpet my front yard. Do you thing a green shag would go with the neighborhood? Wait I live in the country, shag would be an improvement to my yard!! cheryl(mow twice a year whether it needs it or not)willis
See it is a good thing that I stopped by your blog Lina. You taught me something today. Thanks for sharing. Great post.
Julie - I had never thought of it either, but it makes perfect sense when you think about it.
Cheryl - I want photos of your yard after you carpet it. LOL
Lanre - So glad you stopped by!
This is so interesting, never heard of it before. I am doing some remodeling in my home and plan to do the landscaping in the spring. I knew there was a reason I saved those 2 huge rolls of brown shag carpet!
Karen - Glad I could share. Good luck on your remodeling!
How so you lay the carpet down to create the bio-swell? Do you dig the ground up with a tractor and plow first below the normal ground level and then cover the carpet with 3 to 5 inches of top soil, mulch, straw or what? Need more details on this. In a meeting as I type about putting bio-swells on a University.