 Welcome to Alabama Smart Yards. We're creating beautiful landscapes that protect natural environments. Why? Because it's a smart thing to do. Today we'll talk about pervious and impervious surfaces in the landscape. Solid surfaces, sidewalks, patios, and driveways are commonplace in city neighborhoods. Did you know that these contribute to water pollution and reduce overall water quality? These impervious surfaces reduce rainwater infiltration, heat the stormwater flowing into streams and rivers, and allow surface pollutants to be carried away and runoff. So what can we do? Slow the rapid flow of stormwater and allow the soil to filter and neutralize pollutants. Point rain gutter downspouts toward plantings that flourish in these conditions. Shrubs like papaw and wax myrtle or flowers like lobilia and goldenrod are just a few. Place a rain barrel at one or more downspouts. These collect rainwater that can be used for any garden. Make landscape paths with a layer of mulch or gravel. And always remember to sweep grass clippings and fertilizer back into planting beds. Or maybe you want to dig in deeper. Pervious pavers are concrete or brick laid into decorative patterns. Set into sand gravel or structural grid base. These work for a variety of uses. Pervious concrete is best for smaller applications. Flagstone is attractive surrounded by low ground covers or gravel. Or build a rain garden. It holds water for a short time and grows plants that enjoy both soggy and droughty soils. By implementing one or two smart changes you can make a big impact on your local environment.