Waves, wake, wind and ice can rob property owners of valuable lake shore. Retaining walls crumble, and lawns and beaches are undermined by these forces.

Grass, sand or bare soil at the shoreline do little to protect the water quality of a lake. Soil from an eroding shoreline clouds the water and damages aquatic habitat. Runoff flows directly into the lake, along with fertilizers, soil, pet waste and other pollutants from surrounding properties.

Benefits of Shoreline Buffers 

• A buffer of native plants reduces erosion while it filters and protects the lake from runoff.
• A buffer of carefully selected native plants will protect the shore from these eroding forces.
• The deep roots of the plants will hold the soil in place, while emergent plants in the water break up the force of wind and waves to reduce the stress on the shoreline.
• A well-designed buffer will also incorporate the features that owners most enjoy about their lakeside property, like docks, beaches and views.

Learn More

• Shoreline Planting Planner Packet (PDF) 
• Blue Thumb – Planting for Clean Water

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