Grassy Swales

A grassy swale is a shallow, planted drainage channel that filters stormwater as
it soaks into the soil. Maintaining them is a partnership between the City and
property owners. Each year the City's stormwater crews rebuild swales that have
reached the end of their useful life, while property owners handle routine maintenance.
This partnership keeps our stormwater system working well and helps keep costs to
residents low.

Property Owner Responsibilities 

General maintenance of a swale is the responsibility of the abutting or adjacent property owner. Including:

• Mow and weed-eat the swale to keep grass healthy.
• Water sparingly. Most grasses here stay green without much water. 
• Watch for "sod dams" — debris building up in front of the scuppers (the drainage openings). If you see one forming, clear it with a shovel to keep water flowing.

What the City Does 

The City sweeps residential streets several times a year and arterial streets
twice monthly. This keeps debris from collecting in front of the scuppers and
forming sod dams. Each year, stormwater crews rebuild swales that have reached
the end of their useful life.

Contact

Questions about swale maintenance? Email the Streets team.