How to incorporate Rainwater Harvesting Systems into your Landscape Design

We’ve given you information on how to clean and how to select a rain barrel, and we’ve given you tips on how to install a rainwater catchment system. But there are a few things you need to consider when you incorporate your above or below-ground rainwater harvesting system into your landscape design. Before you start planting rows of shrubbery or moving flower beds, here are some things to consider in your landscape design.

What is the slope of your landscape?

Level lots make landscape installations easier, but a completely level yard is a rare thing. Talk to your landscape designer and ask them what recommendations he or she may make about the elevations in your design. Careful grading, including retaining walls culverts, and french drains may all help you maximize rainfall.

How visible do you want your rainwater harvesting equipment?

If you’ve chosen above-ground rainwater harvesting equipment, such as a rain barrel, you’ll need to decide if you want to make the barrel a focal point of your landscape or if you want to make it less noticeable. This decision depends on where the barrel will fit in the design. for example, if the barrel is next to a fence or stone retaining wall, it can be painted or treated to blend in with the colors and textures of the fence or wall. See our selection of above ground rain barrels with stone textures here. 

However, if the barrel sits in a high-traffic area, it may be hard to make it blend in with its surroundings. That’s where the homeowner’s creativity may come into play.  Pinterest is full of ideas and designs for painting rain barrels; there are also ways to use fencing to create an attractive surround or shed for the barrel. It’s important to remember that whatever the design, be sure to create a solid base or pad so the rain barrel can stay level.

What are you going to plant? 

Pampas grass and other tall ornamental plants and shrubs can be used to tuck a rain barrel out of the sightlines in a landscape design. Be sure to keep these tall plants trimmed so that they don’t obstruct your barrel! A xeriscape design that conserves water will help you get maximum use out of your rainwater harvesting investment. And if you have an underground rainwater collection system, plant over the equipment in such a manner that it can be accessed easily.

Do you need a rainwater harvesting system design?

Our rainwater harvesting system design library contains rainwater collection system drawings which are available for free download by our customers. These drawings are provided for reference purposes only, without warranty, and solely for use by our customers and may not be used for any other commercial purposes.

If you’re looking for a drawing for a system that you don’t see here, chances are that we have one available to send to you. Please feel free to give us a call at 800-654-WATER (9283) and we’ll be happy to help.