Maintenance

Perhaps the most important consideration in successful green infrastructure implementation is long-term maintenance. Systems must be designed with maintenance in mind and an understanding of responsible parties. Poor maintenance for traditional gray infrastructure is easier to ignore, as it is largely below grade systems invisible to the eye. Poor maintenance of green infrastructure is much more noticeable and leads to negative perceptions of these systems when they fall into disrepair.

Maintenance is not complicated, but it is does require additional knowledge and accountability. Some common maintenance concerns are listed below. Understanding these problems prior to installation and sale of a project can help contractors and clients avoid negative outcomes.