Omaha has lost some of its natural stormwater capacity
October 29, 2007

A combination of factors, including past winter storms that have damaged existing trees and a growing homeowner preference for small ornamental trees means that Omaha is losing some of its natural capacity for handling stormwater. Large, slow-growing trees can hold soils in place, capture and store large volumes of stormwater, and provide canopies over impervious surfaces like streets and driveways -- all of which help reduce stormwater runoff in urban areas. If this trend persists as Omaha continues to grow, the city will have to spend considerably more on mechanical means of capturing, pumping, and treating stormwater.





last revised October 2007