Are incorrect stormwater mowing practices putting you and your community at risk for compliance violations and safety hazards?
Whether you have a wet pond, stormwater wetland, or bioretention, all of the devices have specialized maintenance and mowing requirements. That’s why it’s important to work with a specialized stormwater vendor who are trained and experienced in proper management. In this article you’ll find stormwater expert responses to some of our most frequently asked questions.
“Should my pond vendor mow my SCM’s or can we just have our landscaper do it?”
A very common question. Our experience has shown that it works best to have a single vendor responsible for the inspected stormwater device. This includes not only the open water, but also the shoreline, slopes, and dam. Stormwater vendors are certified, trained, and experienced keeping SCM’s (Stormwater Control Measures) compliant and safe.
Key Benefits Include:
- Specialized slope mowers and brush cutting equipment mow and clear safely and efficiently
- Technicians are trained in best mowing practices for all types of SCM’s
- Knowledge of SCM’s and can identify possible compliance issues
- Awareness of beneficial plant species that are part of the engineered pond design
It is common to see failed inspections when a stormwater vendor is not involved in the management and mowing of SCM’s. Often because the landscape vendor was unaware of how these systems work and simply didn’t know what to look for. The team at Clearwater Lake & Pond is trained and experienced in specialized mowing practices. Remember, your SCM’s are engineered devices that require specialized maintenance to function properly and stay in compliance. We can’t stress this enough.
“Why are you not mowing to the waters edge? The board thinks it looks unmaintained.”
Most SCM’s have installed aquatic plants as part of their design. The planting shelf, or littoral zone, plays an important role in the function of the SCM and the overall health of the ecosystem. This area should be maintained but keep a natural look. An occasional trim is fine but this zone should never be cut down completely or treated with herbicides. Hiring a specialized stormwater vendor like Clearwater Lake & Pond is the best way to avoid inspection violations, and the costly repairs that come with them.
“The HOA board thinks we only need to mow the ponds once per year.”
Unfortunately, this is incorrect. In most cases the SCM device will need to be mowed multiple times per growing season in order to stay in compliance and reduce safety hazards. In the Carolinas, this usually equates to about 4-5 mowings between March and October. Mowing frequency is often determined by the location and visibility of the pond. High visibility sites may need to be mowed monthly March – October, whereas low visibility sites may only need quarterly mowings. We have seen more and more municipalities increase enforcement of SCM mowing and maintenance to make sure all parts of the SCM can be accessed safely for routine maintenance tasks and inspections. Clearwater has the specialized equipment to do the job safely and efficiently. We work with you to determine the right mowing frequency that meet your goals and budget.
“We have a pond that is heavily overgrown with brush and saplings. Can you help?”
Absolutley! Clearwater Lake and Pond operates specialized machines designed to clear brush and trees in hard to reach places. Often times an initial brush clearing is needed, followed by seeding and regular mowing.
Clearwater meets all of your stormwater needs.
Don’t risk failed inspections and safety hazard with improper stormwater mowing techniques. The team at Clearwater Lake & Pond will work with you do develop a site specific maintenance plan designed with compliance and safety in mind. Working with us provides you a full-service stormwater management company, with complete stormwater maintenance and repair capabilities. We also provide you with a field report and photo documentation after each service visit to keep for your records.