Which of the following strategies can help lessen the effects of stormwater runoff?

The strategy of planting trees and vegetation effectively helps to lessen the effects of stormwater runoff for several reasons. Vegetation plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as plants absorb rainfall and utilize it for growth, thereby reducing the volume of water that runs off the surface. The root systems of trees and plants also help to stabilize the soil, which can prevent erosion and promote better infiltration of water into the ground rather than allowing it to contribute to surface runoff.

Furthermore, vegetation can enhance the absorption of rainwater, allowing more water to percolate into the soil and recharge groundwater supplies. Additionally, green spaces contribute to urban areas by absorbing pollutants, improving air quality, and mitigating the heat island effect, which can, in turn, improve the management of stormwater runoff.

Other options, such as constructing more parking lots, would generally lead to increased impervious surfaces, exacerbating stormwater runoff issues. Implementing underground storage tanks may manage excess water temporarily but does not address the root causes of runoff or promote absorption. Utilizing chemical fertilizers can contribute to nutrient loading in runoff, leading to water quality issues rather than mitigating runoff effects. Thus, planting trees and vegetation represents a more holistic and environmentally beneficial approach to managing stormwater runoff.