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Shoreline Stabilization

Native trees, shrubs and low vegetation aren’t just attractive — they soak up stormwater runoff and catch sediment before it reaches the water. More importantly, their root systems help stabilize soil and reduce erosion. Include shrubs with berries to attract songbirds and flowers to attract butterflies. Be sure to plant trees, especially hardwoods, which have deeper and stronger roots.

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Shoreline Hardscaping

Remember those impermeable surfaces that contribute to storm runoff? You can help mitigate that problem by using stone or brick walkways instead of concrete.

Rather than an asphalt or concrete driveway, substitute gravel or stone. Use wooden planks for decks and patios, with sand or gravel spread underneath to catch rain that drips through the gaps. You could even have a “living” driveway where grass is allowed to grow in the large gaps of precast concrete frames.

While retaining walls remain popular with homeowners who want a flat lawn, they require a permit and are considered a last resort because they deter from the natural look and do nothing for filtering runoff. Instead, experts recommend a more natural-looking approach to erosion control using riprap (stones and rocks) or regrading the shoreline and planting trees, shrubs and other plants.

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Shoreline Mulching

Mulching ties a landscape together visually and gives it a finished look, but it serves a practical purpose, too. Mulch keeps soil from drying out and cracking, conserves moisture, smothers weeds and reduces erosion caused by wind.

For shoreline mulching, stones or crushed gravel look the most natural and will be pretty much permanent. Wood chips and pine needles are great around trees and shrubs, while cocoa shells look good in flower beds.

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