What type of maintenance is typically required for vegetated filter strips?

Vegetated filter strips are designed to help manage stormwater runoff by filtering pollutants through vegetation and soil. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure their effectiveness over time. Spring cleanup and regular mowing are critical maintenance activities for these areas.

Spring cleanup involves removing debris, leaves, and any invasive species that may overshadow or outcompete the native vegetation. This helps maintain the health and diversity of plants that contribute to the filter strip's function. Regular mowing is necessary to manage plant height, promote healthy growth, and ensure the vegetation can effectively filter stormwater. If the plants grow too high, they may become less effective in capturing sediment and nutrients from the runoff.

In contrast, constant fertilization is not typically required because the natural vegetation should adapt to the soil conditions. Annual replanting is also not necessary if the existing vegetation is healthy and thriving; instead, spot replanting may be more appropriate in areas where plants have died or been damaged. Claiming that no maintenance is required overlooks the fact that like any landscape feature, vegetated filter strips need care and attention to function properly over time.