Vegetated swales are shallow, open channels with low-lying vegetation covering the channel and side slopes that collect and slowly convey runoff to downstream discharge points. Vegetated swales could be grassed swales that utilize turf grass to stabilize the swale or bioswales that utilize native vegetation. Bioswales provide more pollutant removal benefits than grass swales.
Downloadable PDF: Vegetated Swale Fact Sheet
Vegetative Swale Flow Chart (click image to download):
