What is a downspout planter?

Downspout planters are decorative landscaped planters specially designed to absorb and filter stormwater before it enters the sewer system.  The downspout planters are filled with a base layer of gravel to allow for drainage, a stormwater-friendly soil mix, and native perennial vegetation that comes back every spring.  These planters help to manage stormwater and can spruce up your yard or patio at the same time! Participant cost: $100. This includes the installation of the planter with complementary plants and a free quality assurance inspection.

About our downspout planters:

• Downspout planters are available in 4 sizes:  2’ x 2’, 2’ x 4’, 1.5’ x 3’, and 1.5’ x 4’.  These dimensions refer to the main structure of the planter – each planter has a top trim assembly that extends an extra 1-1/2” on all sides.
• All planters come with complementary plants.  Our plants are perennials that are native, adaptive, and drought-tolerant. These plants will come back every spring and have deep, extensive root systems which allow them to absorb and filter stormwater runoff. These species are also very low maintenance.
• The planters are constructed from pressure-treated lumber and have an expected lifetime of 20 years or more.
• Planters are lined with 45 mil rubber pond liner material to ensure that your planter will not leak.
• Each planter is pre-fabricated with two drains – the overflow drain and the underdrain.  The overflow drain is made from 3” PVC pipe topped with an atrium-style grate.  This drain prevents the planter from overflowing onto your patio or walkway even during the heaviest of storms.  The underdrain is made from 1” PVC pipe (partially perforated) and allows water to drain slowly over time, preventing the planter from becoming waterlogged.
• Downspout planters can drain to one of three places: 1) directly back into sewer pipe, 2) into a nearby area drain, or 3) into a pervious surface area down slope of the planter, such as a lawn or garden.
• Downspout planters are very heavy when saturated so all installations must be at ground-level.  We cannot install a planter on a deck or porch.

Parts of a downspout planter:

Downspout planter maintenance:

• Right after the installation, Water the plants (once per week for the first month or more if the soil in the planter seems dry). After the plants are established, they should not require much water.
• Prune plants and remove dead material from your downspout planter as you would with your garden. Ensure that floatable materials do not clog the overflow device.
• Keep the overflow pipe free and clear of debris, checking it periodically after rainstorms.
• Keep the downspout connected and directed to the planter.
• Do not plant edible food in a downspout planter. Stormwater running into the planter may carry dirt and debris not suitable for edible plants.
• Maintain your roof gutters and downspouts to ensure that they function properly and convey stormwater to your green tool.
• View this list to see what plant species are suitable for a downspout planter.

To get a downspout planter installed at your home, click here to sign up for the Rain Check cost-share program and an assessor will visit your home to determine if a downspout planter is right for your home.