Estimated Price of Constructing a Rain Garden
A rain garden is an environmentally friendly and sustainable solution for managing stormwater, according to the EPA. This depressed area, designed to absorb and filter rainwater from roofs, driveways, or streets, can be a cost-effective and beautiful addition to any property.
Mary Ellen Ellis, a gardener with over 20 years of experience in flowers, native plants, and herbs, is considering creating a rain garden in the region of Chicago, Illinois, United States, due to flooding problems.
The cost per square foot for a professionally designed and built rain garden ranges between $10 and $13. However, creating a rain garden is a more cost-effective solution compared to a traditional stormwater management system. When hiring a landscaping service for a rain garden, costs include design, construction, plants, materials, and labor.
However, building a rain garden yourself can help keep the costs low. If you choose to do the work yourself, the cost per square foot for materials and plants ranges between $3 and $5. Smart choices, such as using native plants that grow in moist to wet soil, can further reduce the cost.
Starting plants for a rain garden from seeds or cuttings requires planning more in advance but can be done at low cost or for free. Free plants and materials for a rain garden can be found by taking advantage of garden center sales, taking cuttings from friends and neighbors, and looking for rocks in the garden.
A dense rain garden design saves money in the long run by negating the need for mulch and controlling erosion better. The garden is planted with grasses and flowering perennials, making it a cost-effective and beautiful way to reduce runoff from a property.
A design for a rain garden should focus on areas of the yard or garden that collect and hold standing water to minimize the space covered with new plants or rocks. Doing the work for a rain garden yourself and enlisting assistance from friends or neighbors saves immediate and significant costs compared to working with a professional service.
The cost of a rain garden can vary greatly, with larger areas costing more to build. However, the benefits of a rain garden, such as natural beauty, erosion control, and reduced runoff, make it a worthwhile investment for any property owner. Building a rain garden will repay in many ways.
