Hardscape Removal:
The Basics
Hard surfaces serve as a pollution gateway to our waterways. These impervious surfaces
(such as parking pads, patios and driveways) prevent rainwater from soaking into the
ground and recharging groundwater supplies. Paved surfaces also add to the heat island
effect, the phenomenon where urban areas are hotter than surrounding, non-urban areas.
Removing pavement — then replacing it with lawn, landscaping or pervious pavers
— allows water to naturally filter into the ground, instead of rushing to the nearest
waterway and damaging our streams.
Blue Water Baltimore wants to help you make a difference. This document gives an
overview of hardscape removal and describes the project planning process.
Why Remove Hardscape?
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Allows more space for landscaping or recreation
Reduces stormwater runoff
Allows for natural groundwater recharge
Reduces temperature around your home or business during summer months
Frequently Asked Questions
Will removing my parking pad mean rats in my yard?
No. Rats need the same basic provisions to survive as we do: food, water and shelter.
Believe it or not, a parking pad can actually be great shelter for rats, they simply burrow beneath the concrete.
Will removing my parking pad lower my property value?
If you’re worried about off street parking, you can replace your parking pad with a pervious
parking solution or put in parking strips, preserving parking space with less impervious area.
Removing unused or
deteriorating concrete or
pavement is good for the Bay.
Replace hardscape with
plants or pervious pavers.
Blue Water Baltimore
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Hardscape Removal - Water Audit 2014
What Does it Cost?
Removing hardscape costs approximately
$9 per square foot. Costs will vary
depending on site characteristics, the and
how the underlying soils are amended.
Planning Your Project
Hardscape removal is relatively simple, but that
doesn’t mean you won’t have to plan. There are
many variables that will affect the scope and cost
of your project. Be sure to consider the following:
1. Breaking up the hardscape - a sledgehammer
may suffice for small projects, but thicker
concrete may require a hydraulic jackhammer
2. Disposing of the hardscape - where will it go
and how will you get it there?
Blue Water Baltimore removed the 750
square feet of concrete in this back yard of
row home. A rain garden and vegetable
plot took the place of the concrete.
Hire Us!
Interested in removing a driveway,
parking pad, or other hardscape?
Visit www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/
landscaping for more information.
3. Hardscape replacement - possible options are
conservation landscaping, pervious pavement
or pavers, a rain garden or lawn
4. Soil amendment - the soils under the
hardscape will be compacted, so you’ll need
to break them up and add compost if you plan
to lay down sod or plant landscaping
5. Erosion control - make sure any exposed soil
is covered up and no dirt is allowed to wash
off the work site
Get a Rebate
Register for a free water audit at www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/water-audit/.
Once you have your project plans, complete a Project Approval Form.
The form must be submitted at least 4 weeks before beginning a project.
Contact your Auditor when the project is completed and then get a check in the mail!
Questions?
Web: www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/water-audit/
Call: (410) 254-1577 x106
Email: [email protected]
Blue Water Baltimore
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Hardscape Removal - Water Audit 2014