When bioretention facilities are located at the entrance to a commercial building and provide a landscaped focal point for the site, an ornamental garden theme is appropriate. Refer to the guidelines under ornamental garden for information on the design of these facilities.

Other facility design themes such as forest or meadow can add beauty and wildlife habitat to commercial open space areas.

Where the facility is located in a parking island or median, additional design criteria also apply. Consider the size of the facility and determine if adequate planting soil exists to support large shade trees. It may be more appropriate to choose smaller ornamental species. The facility may be sited where it is exposed to wind, sun, salt and toxics from parking lots that will affect the candidate species.

Bioretention facilities located along roads or in the median of parking lots must be analyzed to determine if there are any traffic considerations or safety issues. An adequate site distance must be maintained along roads and intersections to provide for the safe flow of traffic. Choose low growing plants and shrubs that do not block the view of oncoming vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Consult your local public works or transportation regulatory agency for additional information on maximum heights of plants allowed in the medians of roads.

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The above information was derived from the Prince George's County Bioretention Manual.

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The information on this website was compiled by T.E. Scott & Associates, Inc. from various sources.

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Last modified: 10/23/09