Portland's average 43 inches of annual rainfall demands smart water management. Our rain gardens are engineered with layers of gravel, amended soil, and native plants like Douglas aster and tufted hairgrass to absorb runoff from roofs and driveways.
We analyze your property's slope and soil composition to determine optimal placement, typically 10 feet from foundations. The excavated basin includes an overflow channel for extreme downpours. Unlike standard French drains, these living systems filter pollutants while supporting local pollinators.
All installations comply with Portland's Stormwater Management Manual and may qualify for Clean River Rewards discounts.
We analyze your property's slope and soil composition to determine optimal placement, typically 10 feet from foundations. The excavated basin includes an overflow channel for extreme downpours. Unlike standard French drains, these living systems filter pollutants while supporting local pollinators.
All installations comply with Portland's Stormwater Management Manual and may qualify for Clean River Rewards discounts.
Our Process
- 01 Step 1: Site evaluation with percolation test and drainage pattern mapping
- 02 Step 2: Custom design matching your home's era and neighborhood aesthetic
- 03 Step 3: Excavation with manual digging near tree roots to protect mature specimens
- 04 Step 4: Planting with 2-year establishment care including mulch refresh
Benefits
- Reduces basement flooding risk in Portland's clay-heavy soils
- Native plants require 60% less summer watering
- Diverts an average of 1,200 gallons per storm event
- Increases property value with certified eco-friendly features
Frequently Asked Questions
Will rain gardens attract mosquitoes?
Properly designed systems drain within 48 hours—faster than mosquito breeding cycles. We include mosquito dunks in maintenance plans as extra precaution.
How do these handle our occasional ice storms?
The deep-rooted plants we select rebound after freeze damage better than turf grass. We avoid placing gardens where de-icing salts might runoff.