The Future of Landscaping is Permeable: Why Governments Are Adopting It

One of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, tools in this effort? Permeable paving. More than just a design trend, permeable surfaces are becoming central to public infrastructure planning—and for good reason.

In this article, we explore why governments are adopting permeable landscaping, how it supports long-term environmental and economic goals, and what this shift means for developers, homeowners, and landscape professionals alike.

🌍 What Are Permeable Surfaces?

Permeable surfaces are materials that allow water to pass through them, filtering into the soil below rather than running off into drains. This stands in stark contrast to impervious materials like concrete or asphalt, which shed water and contribute to:

• Flooding
  
  
• Soil erosion
  
  
• Polluted waterways
  
  
• Urban heat islands
  
  

Types of permeable surfaces include:

• Gravel and crushed stone
  
  
• Porous asphalt or concrete
  
  
• Permeable pavers made of concrete, plastic, or wood
  
  
• Grass pavers or open-grid systems
  
  

At Proflow, we focus on wood-based permeable pavers made from sustainably harvested black locust—a rot-resistant hardwood that provides both function and aesthetic appeal.

🌧️ Why Are Governments Embracing Permeable Landscaping?

1. Stormwater Management Regulations

The biggest driver of change is regulatory. Urban flooding is a growing crisis—caused by impermeable surfaces that overwhelm stormwater systems. In response:

• Cities like Portland, Oregon, Chicago, and Philadelphia have green infrastructure mandates that encourage permeable pavements.
  
  
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes low-impact development (LID) practices, with permeable paving often a requirement for stormwater permits.
  
  
• European cities, like Copenhagen, have introduced “Cloudburst” strategies where permeability is key to handling cloudbursts (extreme rainfall events).
  
  

Permeable paving reduces runoff volume, delays peak flows, and naturally filters out pollutants—helping cities meet water quality standards and avoid flooding.

‍

2. Climate Resilience & Heat Island Mitigation

As cities warm, permeable surfaces are playing a new role: cooling urban environments.

Traditional pavement absorbs and radiates heat, creating “urban heat islands” that raise city temperatures by several degrees. Permeable pavers:

• Allow evapotranspiration, which cools the air
  
  
• Often use lighter-colored, reflective materials
  
  
• Reduce the need for irrigation in landscaping
  
  

Governments are increasingly funding projects that prioritize cooling—especially in underserved, heat-prone communities. For example:

• Los Angeles has painted and permeabilized sidewalks to reflect sunlight and reduce surface heat.
  
  
• Melbourne includes permeability targets in its Urban Forest Strategy.
  
  

3. Infrastructure Cost Savings

The upfront cost of permeable pavers may be higher—but the long-term savings are substantial:

• Reduced need for expensive stormwater systems
  
  
• Fewer repairs to infrastructure from flood damage
  
  
• Lower maintenance costs due to improved drainage and reduced erosion
  
  

Many governments now require or reward green infrastructure in public projects, offering grants or density bonuses to developers who include permeable solutions.

4. Carbon Sequestration and Nature-Based Solutions

Governments are also recognizing permeable landscaping as a nature-based climate solution. Particularly when permeable pavers are made from natural materials, they support:

• Soil carbon storage by reactivating the biology of the soil below
  
  
• Tree health, by allowing root access to water and air
  
  
• Reduced emissions, especially with products like Proflow’s black locust wood pavers, which:
  
  
  
  • Minimum carbon footprint during manufacturing
    
    
  • Are made from renewable sources
    
    
  • Naturally store carbon throughout their lifespan
    
    

As climate strategies shift toward decarbonization, permeable, plant-friendly surfaces are being built into federal and regional climate action plans.

🏛️ Real-World Examples of Policy in Action

Here are a few standout examples of how permeability is becoming policy:

🇺🇸 Philadelphia, PA (USA) – Green City, Clean Waters

• Invested $2.4 billion into green infrastructure, with permeable surfaces central to the plan.
  
  
• Requires developers to manage the first 1” of stormwater on-site—often using permeable pavers and bioswales.
  
  

🇳🇱 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Rainproof Strategy

• Introduced targets for permeable surfaces on both public and private land.
  
  
• Encourages use of modular, permeable materials to retrofit existing areas.
  
  

🇩🇪 Berlin, Germany – Rainwater Management Ordinance

• New developments must manage stormwater on-site using infiltration, retention, or evapotranspiration.
  
  
• Builders are offered incentives for green roofs and permeable pavements.
  
  

🇦🇺 Melbourne, Australia – Urban Forest Strategy

• Permeability targets are set at 20% in inner city areas.
  
  
• Emphasizes paving that supports root growth for cooling trees.
  
  

🛠️ What This Means for Landscape Designers, Developers, and Homeowners

The growing trend of permeable surfaces isn’t just a government concern—it’s an opportunity for anyone involved in outdoor construction or design.

✔️ Designers & Architects

• Specify permeable products to future-proof your projects
  
  
• Comply more easily with new zoning and permitting rules
  
  
• Offer clients high-end, sustainable solutions (wood pavers are particularly appealing in luxury settings)
  
  

✔️ Municipalities

• Use permeable paving in public parks, sidewalks, and plazas
  
  
• Reduce the load on stormwater systems
  
  
• Enhance public space with cooler, greener, more accessible surfaces
  
  

✔️ Homeowners

• Install permeable driveways or patios to avoid pooling water and erosion
  
  
• May qualify for green rebates or tax incentives
  
  
• Improve curb appeal with natural, elegant materials like wood
  
  

🌲 The Proflow Approach: Natural, Durable, and Sustainable

At Proflow Permeable Pavers, we’re proud to be part of this global shift. Our black locust wood pavers are:

• 🌳 Naturally durable (no oil or chemical treatment)
  
  
• 💧 100% permeable and root-friendly
  
  
• ♻️ Made from renewable wood that actively stores carbon
  
  
• 🇭🇺 Crafted with care in Europe and US using local labor and sustainable forestry
  
  

As governments push for greener, more climate-resilient cities, we believe permeable surfaces—especially those made from natural materials—are not just a product, but a principle for the future.

✨ Final Thoughts

The future of landscaping is not concrete—it’s permeable, flexible, and rooted in nature. Governments are leading the way by rewriting codes and funding green infrastructure, but the real transformation will happen through collaboration—between cities, businesses, and people like you.

By choosing permeable materials like Proflow Permeable Pavers™, we’re not only building better surfaces—we’re restoring our connection to the earth, water, and future generations.