NATURAL SHORELINES

Natural shorelines are buffers that may include erosion-control fabrics, native vegetation and rocks.  Some natural shorelines use living and nonliving plant materials in combination with natural and synthetic support, like biologs, to stabilize the shore. 

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Many property owners are drawn to seawalls because they are perceived to be more stable than those protected by natural landscaping. Seawalls do not allow for absorption of the energy that waves bring in - waves hit the seawall, and the energy is bounced back out to the water.  In the process, wave energy that has bounced off the wall scoops out soil and sand and causes erosion at the base of the wall.  In addition to deflecting wave energy, seawalls also disrupt the natural transition between the water and land. Vertical walls physically block access to and from the water for turtles, frogs and other animals that need contact with the land to feed, rest and nest. 

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Planting a natural shoreline is relatively easy, affordable and an attractive way of incorporating a beautiful lakeshore design. Native plants will adapt to the local climate and soil conditions, while they have a significant positive benefit to the lake.  

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Plants in the water and along the shore, like lily pads and cattails, help limit the amount of erosion by absorbing wave energy as waves come into the shore.