Smart Stormwater Solutions: Bioretention & Rain Garden Systems
MSD-Compliant Design, Installation & Maintenance Across St. Louis
TRC Outdoor provides comprehensive installation and maintenance services for a range of stormwater management systems. We service commercial, residential, and municipal stormwater management systems.
Our experienced team excels in developing tailored maintenance plans, conducting thorough Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) mandated inspections, and diligently fulfilling all annual reporting requirements.
Our overarching goal extends beyond mere compliance; we strive to help you manage water sustainably while enhancing the inherent beauty and ecological function of your outdoor space.
What Is Bioretention?
Bioretention systems are engineered landscape features designed to manage stormwater in a natural, visually appealing way. They use a combination of soil, mulch, plants, and drainage infrastructure to capture, filter, and slowly release runoff from rooftops, driveways, parking lots, and turf areas.
The primary purpose of a bioretention system is multifaceted, addressing critical environmental and aesthetic concerns:
Flood and Erosion Reduction: By capturing and temporarily storing stormwater, bioretention systems significantly reduce the volume and velocity of runoff. This mitigation effectively prevents flooding, minimizing soil erosion.
Pollutant Filtration: As stormwater percolates through the engineered soil media and the root zones of the planted vegetation, a remarkable natural filtration process occurs. This process effectively removes a wide array of pollutants, including sediment, nutrients, heavy metals, oil, grease, and other contaminants.
Enhanced Curb Appeal: Bioretention systems are also designed to be aesthetically pleasing landscape elements. These systems create vibrant, low-maintenance green spaces that enhance the visual appeal of any property.
Rain Gardens vs. Bioretention: Understanding the Nuances
Both rain gardens and bioretention systems work with soil and vegetation to manage stormwater. However, clear differences can still be seen in their scale, complexity, and applications.
Rain Gardens
Rain gardens can be considered smaller-scale, residential-focused types of bioretention. They’re designed with shallow basins and primarily rely on native planting and the natural infiltration capacity of natural soil, which is sometimes slightly amended. Homeowners looking to manage roof runoff, reduce puddling, and enhance the appeal of their gardens prefer this method.
Bioretention Systems
Bioretention systems are larger, more comprehensively engineered structures commonly used in commercial and municipal developments for managing runoffs from impervious areas. They often incorporate specific design elements such as underdrains and carefully amended soil mixtures to enhance filtration. Their engineered dimensions can handle larger water volumes.
Side-by-Side: Bioretention vs. Rain Garden Features
| Feature | Rain Garden | Bioretention Basin |
| Scale | Smaller, residential | Larger, for commercial or municipal |
| Design | Simple, shallow basins | Engineered with layers and designs |
| Soil | Native, slightly amended | Specially engineered soil |
| Maintenance | Low to moderate | Moderate, with inspections |
Our Comprehensive Services
TRC Outdoor is happy to guide you through the implementation and maintenance of an effective bioretention system and rain garden.
System Design & Planning
We begin our work with a thorough site assessment and detailed runoff mapping to help us understand the hydrological characteristics of your property. We provide:
Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) permit support
Navigate the regulatory landscape
Ensure all necessary approvals are secured
Installation
Our skilled installation crews execute the design plans, handling all aspects of the construction process. This includes precise excavation and basin shaping, careful soil amendment to achieve optimal filtration rates, and the expert selection and planting of appropriate vegetation. We ensure the correct installation of any necessary underdrain systems and overflow outlets.
Native Plant Selection
We help you select native plant species that are aesthetically pleasing across all four seasons and provide significant ecological benefits. We choose pollinator-friendly varieties that support local ecosystems and drought-tolerant species that minimize long-term maintenance needs. We carefully consider factors such as sunlight exposure, soil conditions, and desired visual impact to create thriving and resilient planted areas.
Maintenance Programs
Our flexible maintenance programs are designed to ensure the longevity of your bioretention or rain garden system. Our service plans can include monthly, quarterly, or annual visits, encompassing essential tasks such as debris clearing, meticulous plant care, and the careful removal of accumulated sediment. We also conduct periodic soil infiltration tests to assess performance and provide timely mulch replacement.
MSD Inspections & Reporting
TRC Outdoor provides comprehensive support, including proactive scheduling and thorough preparation for all required MSD inspections. We handle all detailed documentation necessary for compliance and ensure accurate annual reporting. Should any issues arise during inspections, our team is equipped to provide effective remediation solutions.
Ideal Applications
Bioretention and rain garden systems offer versatile stormwater management solutions for a wide range of properties:
Residential: Homeowners can effectively manage roof runoff and protect building foundations from water damage. They also create aesthetically pleasing native gardens that enhance the curb appeal of their homes.
Commercial: Businesses can meet increasingly stringent stormwater management code requirements and effectively manage runoff from large impermeable surfaces like parking lots.
Municipal: Parks, libraries, street medians, and the grounds surrounding public buildings are ideal locations for implementing bioretention and rain gardens. This can help enhance public spaces and promote environmental sustainability.
Featured Projects Gallery
Residential rain garden install
Municipal bioretention basin in a park
Native habitat restoration project incorporating bioretention
Why TRC Outdoor for Your Stormwater Management Needs
Choosing TRC Outdoor for your bioretention and rain garden projects means partnering with a team that offers:
Deep Local Expertise: We pride ourselves on the in-depth understanding of the unique topography of the St. Louis region. We are also familiar with all Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) codes and regulations, hence, ensure compliance and effective solutions.
Turnkey Service Solutions: We provide end-to-end services that simplify the entire process from the design stage, installation and maintenance. These include all the necessary inspections and reporting.
Commitment to Sustainability: We not only offer functionality but also aesthetic appeal and environmental friendliness with our stormwater management services.
Reliable Support and Compliance: Our reporting services and responsive support ensure you’re compliant with all the regulatory requirements and at peace all the time.
Request a Bioretention or Rain Garden Consultation
Contact us today to schedule your site assessment or get help with MSD compliance. Whether you’re starting a new project or need help maintaining an existing one, our team is ready to assist.
- Residential Garden
- Commercial Basin
- MSD Inspection
- Maintenance Plan
Let’s Build a Sustainable Landscape That Works with Water – Not Against It
Frequently Asked Questions
The requirement for MSD approval depends on the scope and nature of your project. If you’re going to alter stormwater drainage patterns or exceed the impervious surface threshold, we can guide you through the permit process.
Rain gardens are relatively low-maintenance, especially once the native plants are established. Initial maintenance typically involves regular watering and weeding. Over time, maintenance primarily includes occasional weeding, mulching, and potentially the removal of accumulated sediment every few years.
Native plants that are tolerant of both wet and dry conditions are ideal for bioretention basins. We recommend native grasses, sedges, perennials, and shrubs. These thrive in the St. Louis climate and support local wildlife.
Existing landscapes can often be successfully retrofitted with rain gardens. Our team can assess your site’s topography, drainage patterns, and soil conditions to determine the feasibility and best approach for integrating a rain garden into your current landscape.