Benefits and Considerations of Permeable Pavers in Landscape Design

Installing Pervious (a.k.a. Permeable Pavers) is a way to install pavers that is more water-wise than laying pavers in the traditional method.  This type of paving system has the benefit of minimizing stormwater runoff, reducing downstream erosion, and protecting the water quality of surrounding bodies of water.  They mimic the way the natural land would normally absorb water – that is slowly absorbing the water instead of the fast surface runoff you get from an unnatural surface.  This type of paver system can help to mitigate other types of water issues too by creating a way for water to disappear underneath the pavers instead of running over the surface of the pavers.  

The basic way this is achieved is by creating a layer of aggregate stone under the pavers that creates a way to capture the water that falls on the paver area and let it ‘percolate’ before slowly dispersing into the soil.  There are layers of varying sized stone or aggregate underneath the pavers that will filter and direct the water into nearby underground aquifers.  The water generally goes into the thick base of aggregate by spaces between the pavers (kind of like a giant ‘dry well’ or ‘french drain’).  This is referred to as a “Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems”.  These types of pavers can also be designed to harvest water and recycle rainwater for more of a ‘permaculture’ or ‘sustainable’ landscaping idea.  These systems can really be ‘forward minded’ in that they can be an integral part of environmentally sound landscape solutions.  The burden on storm drains will be reduced when implementing permeable pavers.  

Pervious pavers can help to reduce erosion.  If the paver area is installed in the traditional method, then the water sheds off the surface of the pavers and can possibly create problems such as erosion and pollutants in the lake.  Pervious pavers can also eliminate standing water areas that would normally be a breeding ground for mosquitos or just be a nuisance.  

Permeable (I use the words permeable and pervious interchangeably) pavers are a fast growing trend in the landscaping industry.  The future of our lakes, neighborhoods, and world all depend on the decisions we make now.  Permeable pavers not only look fantastic, but they definitely help to improve the environment through a sustainable, smart approach.  

Legal and Future Trends

Permeable pavers are often times used in commercial projects.  But don’t be surprised to know that permeable pavers are commonly used in residential projects too.  Many times people install this Pervious type of paver system when it is required by the State in order to obtain a permit for landscaping on a lake.  The NHDES (The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services) will often times require this type of paving system on shorefront properties as part of the overall theme of protecting the environment from stormwater runoff problems.  Landscape Designs are not only about creating beautiful and functional spaces.  They are also about being good stewards of the land.  Landscape Designers make beautiful spaces that don’t sacrifice on making sound environmental decisions.  There are so many new and wonderful products available these days that it makes a landscape designer absolutely giddy with delight!  There’s another type of permeable paver that I haven’t mentioned yet.  It’s a grid paver.  These types of permeable pavers can be a diamond type grid that allows for grass to grow in the spaces.  This is an extremely unique looking hardscape feature that works in harmony with nature.  Again, it’s about gradually filtering rainwater back into the soil naturally, resulting in the control and stabilization of soil erosion.  

Permeable pavers are eco-friendly and come in beautiful looks.  Types of places you might find permeable paver solutions:  Driveways, non-vehicular driveways, garden pathways, lake side patios, parking spots, trailer and boat parking areas, backyard patios, entrance walks, parking lots, greenhouse floors, entertainment venue areas, etc.

There certainly can be potential problems associated with permeable pavement systems.  There can be increased surface abrasion (from joint material that gets on top of the pavers) that can potentially cause the pavers to chip or deteriorate more quickly than conventional paver installations.  The joints can sometimes have a clogging problem too.  Clogging of the joints is the biggest potential problem that perious paver systems can have.  If you’ve got dirty stormwater running over them, then the sediments and particles can settle into the joints and clog them.  There needs to be regular maintenance which can include pressure washing and vacuum sweeping.  When constructing pervious paver driveways, you must use “best practices” and be sure to use thicker ‘driveway grade’ pavers.  

Incorporating permeable paver solutions into your landscape design

Pro's

1. No surface stormwater runoff, so no erosion problems.  The water that naturally absorbs into the ground under the paver area can be utilized by nearby grass, plants and trees.  They are a “green” solution.

2. There is no need for some other drainage solutions such as pipes and dry wells.

3. Pervious paver areas are much cooler than blacktop which heats up quickly.

4. There is no standing water.  This means that your feet stay dry, no puddles where you can slip or where mosquitos can breed.  No freezing puddles causing dangerous patches of ice.

Con’s

1. Requires a Professional installation company.  Keep in mind that the biggest problems that arise from pervious pavers aren’t caused by the materials themselves as much as they are caused by lack of experience, so I suggest you always hire the professionals.

2. Not the best solution in clay soil areas which may be better off using traditional drainage solutions.

3. More expensive than traditional pavers or blacktop.

4. Requires regular maintenance.

There are many styles and colors of pavers available to choose from for pervious pavers.  

The Landscaping Industry has made so much progress on beautiful products in the recent years.  So many gorgeous styles and colors to choose from!

Using Pervious pavers in your landscape design is a great solution to many water problems.