Paving over front gardens might seem like the ideal way to solve parking problems, but must we sacrifice yet more ground in order to facilitate the parking of motor cars?
Hard landscaped surfaces can have a surprising impact on the wider environment for they increase temperatures, lower the water table, and may cause flooding on an unprecedented scale.
We experienced all of these happenings in recent summers not to mind winter.
Paving over a front garden might seem of little consequence, but the difficulties begin when neighbours across the street do the same, effectively tripling the width of the road.
In cities and towns where many gardens are now hard paved, rainwater run-off mixed with rubbish and debris picked up along the way is channelled into drains.
Then, rather than heading straight for natural watercourses, the rainfall goes to the sewerage system which can’t always process the sudden surge of water.
In an emergency the excess may have to be jettisoned directly into rivers causing these to overflow.
If there is no sewerage system, the run-off will go directly to the nearest river.
Other environmental impacts can be experienced even at local level.
Hard surfaces not shaded by trees and shrubs absorb heat by day and release it by night making it uncomfortable to work or sleep.
This is part of the ‘heat island effect’ which can also be responsible for poorer air quality and localised weather patterns such as thunderstorms and sudden downpours.
A mere 10 per cent increase in the amount of green space in our major urban areas (where over two thirds of the population live) could, according to scientists at the University of Manchester, reduce surface temperatures by as much as four degrees Celcius.
The removal of grass verges and the felling of trees to accommodate dropped kerbs (which allow cars access to paved gardens) also play a part.
Without the trees and plants, dust is no longer absorbed and there is nowhere for birds to nest and insects to feed.
Attractive front gardens have benefits for people too. They provide for the garden owner screening and privacy, and create in the process a green oasis for everyone’s enjoyment.
Tending your garden at the front of the house gives neighbours and passers-by the opportunity to admire, meet and comment, thus helping to build a better community spirit.
There are also financial incentives for keeping front gardens.
Auctioneers and estate agents will claim that if most homeowners along a single street pave over their gardens, then the average house price can drop.
Leafy streets on the other hand attract buyers and make the area more desirable.
Other hidden problems with excess hard landscaping include the issue of subsidence.
Deflecting rainwater can cause severe subsidence as it reduces or stops rainfall getting into the ground.
In turn, this causes the soil to shrink (especially if it is predominantly clay) creating serious consequences for structures built on it.
Garden walls, path, and houses may also develop severe cracks.
Those who must create parking within their property should be encouraged to save as much as possible in the line of trees, shrubs, and lawn.
Two paved strips amid a gravelled drive will allow much of the surface water that falls to percolate into the ground rather than having it run off in a torrent.
Other options such as permeable pavers (compulsory in many cities) are capable of allowing rain to soak away into the soil and these are certainly worth investigating.
