Plant roots DO matter. Some, like turf grass are short. Some, like perennial wildflowers and grasses, shrubs and trees go deep. Native perennial vegetation (above ground) slows the water down so it can find the root channels that the deeper rooted plants have made. They break open compacted surfaces and allow for water to flow down into the soil where it will filter before slowly finding its way to the surface again.

In contrast, water that runs over turf grass (especially on slopes) is not slowed because the grass is too short to create much resistance, so the water keeps going – all the while picking up dirt, pollutants, animal droppings, trash etc. And short turf grass has short roots, so there’s no where downward for water to flow.

Generalliy water collects in a stream or the lake, purifying it first is what we’re after! Aren’t you? Especially if that water is the drinking water reservoir for 220,000 people like Skaneateles Lake is!