Raleigh-Durham SCM & Stormwater Pond Mowing Guidance

Proper SCM and stormwater pond mowing practices protect Raleigh-Durham commercial properties, facilities, and HOA communities from stormwater inspection failures, system damage, and safety hazards.

Before and after comparison of an overgrown, heavily vegetated dry pond transformed through pond mowing services to a healthy SCM.

As the Raleigh-Durham region prepares for the growing season, it's crucial for commercial property managers and HOA community managers to reassess their mowing and maintenance programs to ensure their ponds and stormwater control measures (SCMs) are both compliant and safe. At Dragonfly Pond Works, headquartered in Raleigh, NC since 2006, we specialize in stormwater and pond mowing services tailored to meet the unique needs of ponds and SCMs throughout the area.

In this article, Dragonfly’s stormwater service experts answer our most frequently asked questions regarding stormwater pond mowing in Raleigh-Durham. We outline the specialized mowing requirements of stormwater ponds and SCMs and emphasize the importance of partnering with a specialized stormwater vendor like Dragonfly Pond Works.

Who Should Mow My Raleigh-Durham Stormwater Ponds and SCMs?

It's a common question we get asked, and our 18+ years of experience in mowing and maintaining SCMs have taught us that it's best to have a single vendor responsible for the entire inspected stormwater device or pond area. This includes not only the open water areas but also the shoreline, side slopes, and dam.

Key Benefits of Utilizing a Stormwater Vendor for SCM & Pond Mowing:

Specialized Equipment: We utilize slope mowers and brush cutting equipment designed for safe and efficient stormwater pond mowing
Trained Crews: Our Raleigh-Durham teams are trained in best mowing practices for SCMs and ponds, including knowledge of recommended mowing heights and avoidance of plants that are part of the engineered pond design
Compliance Assurance: We understand that over-mowing or "scalping" of turf can lead to failed inspections. Our teams are trained in specialized stormwater mowing practices to ensure compliance, safety, and site aesthetics

Remember, your SCMs are engineered devices designed to manage stormwater runoff. Maintenance of these devices requires specialized Raleigh-Durham stormwater vendors to ensure proper function.

Why Don’t Stormwater Vendors Mow to The Water’s Edge?

Top: Raleigh wet retention pond with a healthy vegetated buffer or littoral zone. Bottom: Durham stormwater pond with riser and healthy aquatic plant perimeter.

Most wet ponds and constructed wetlands in the Raleigh-Durham area have installed aquatic plantings as part of their design. The planting shelf, or littoral zone, should have a maintained but natural look. We understand the importance of preserving this natural habitat and avoid over-mowing, cutting, or treating with herbicide, which could harm the ecosystem. We have been called far too many times after aquatic plants have been cut and sprayed by an inexperienced vendor. This typically results in reduced system function and a failed stormwater inspection, or Notice of Violation, from the local Raleigh or Durham municipality. You will be required to re-plant the littoral zone, which can be complex and costly. Hiring a specialized stormwater contractor to handle your pond and SCM mowing needs is the best way to avoid stormwater inspection failures and costly replanting.

How Often Should Ponds and SCMs in Raleigh-Durham be Mowed?

Most sites require multiple mowing services during the growing season to maintain a safe and compliant condition. The recommended mowing frequency varies based on visibility and usage, but in general, monthly mowing through the growing season of March through October is advisable. Quarterly mowing may be sufficient for commercial sites with less visible SCMs. Across the Raleigh-Durham area, we are seeing increased enforcement related to SCM mowing so that devices can be safely accessed for maintenance and stormwater inspections. Additionally, overgrown ponds and SCMs look unsightly and can reduce the aesthetic value of your property. Our team works with you to determine the right mowing frequency to meet your needs and budget.

Can Dragonfly Help With Ponds and SCMs That Are Heavily Overgrown with Trees?

Top: Overgrown wet stormwater pond with trees and vegetation. Bottom: The stormwater pond has been restored through tree clearing, brush cutting, and mowing services.

Absolutely. If you have recently acquired or taken on a new property with overgrown SCMs or ponds that have not been maintained for several years, we can help. We specialize in restoring neglected SCMs and ponds. With our specialized brush clearing machines and slope mowers, we can clear overgrown areas, seed grass, and establish safe and compliant landscapes. As the leading Raleigh-Durham stormwater corrective repair company, we are capable of restoring all types of SCMs and can even handle complete reconstructions. We complete these projects with our in-house crews and equipment to ensure safety, efficiency, and quality of work. Our stormwater maintenance plans will then keep your pond or SCM functioning as designed and help you avoid costly restorations in the future.

Dragonfly Pond Works: Your Raleigh-Durham Stormwater Pond Mowing Partner

At Dragonfly Pond Works, we are committed to meeting all your stormwater needs. Our team of stormwater maintenance and turf management experts will create a customized plan focused on compliance and safety. By working with us, you gain access to a full-service stormwater maintenance company, saving you the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors. Our services are meticulously documented, and we provide detailed reports with photos after every service. These reports are for your records and include service recommendations so that you can address issues promptly before they worsen and become more costly.

Don't put your stormwater system at risk. Contact Dragonfly Pond Works today to keep your system healthy and safe. Let us be your trusted partner in stormwater and pond mowing and maintenance services throughout Raleigh-Durham.

Stormwater Pond Mowing & Maintenance, Repairs, & More

Learn about our Raleigh-Durham stormwater corrective repair and reconstruction capabilities, including stormwater pipe repairs. We complete some of the Triangle’s largest stormwater construction projects, including this conversion of a sediment catch basin to finalized, certified SCM.

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Dragonfly Pond Works provides stormwater pond and SCM mowing, routine maintenance, reconstruction, compliance repairs, conversions, and more in Raleigh, Durham, Charlotte, Greensboro, and Wilmington, North Carolina, Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina, Tampa, Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers, Florida, Atlanta, Athens, Georgia, DC Metro, Fairfax and Northern Virginia, and Rockville, Gaithersburg, Montgomery County, and surrounding Maryland.