Why Your Shoreline Home Thirsts for Erosion Control

We’ve seen it for years. Human influences as well as specific natural causes can lead to much faster erosion surrounding a home, whether due to its proximity to a lake, river, stream or coastline. And when shoreline erosion occurs, significant problems may arise for the environment and surrounding waterfront properties. For example, many waterfront properties built on the Lake Michigan shoreline are prone to frequent waves caused by boats and natural occurrences. In these cases, vegetation or another control method may become necessary to minimize erosion.

A minimal amount of erosion can slowly eat away at your garden, and there are ways to prevent this from recurring. But when left unattended, these types of issues can be disastrous for the structure of a home near a shoreline, causing instability and in extreme cases making it unsafe for the inhabitants. The good news is that professional landscaping guidance can minimize the impacts of natural forces and avoid destructive actions that will erode the shoreline further.

What Is at the Root of Land Erosion – And How Vegetation Can Fix It

At its most basic, erosion refers to any instance when soil, rock, or dissolved material is removed from a surface area and deposited somewhere else. It is often a natural phenomenon that happens so gradually you may not notice until quite a bit of damage has occurred. Many factors can be at the root of erosion problems. When caused by human influence – often referred to as accelerated erosion – it can be much more challenging to reverse than natural.

A qualified landscaping company can help you reestablish native plants to your surrounding environment with a mix of grass, flowers and shrubs that grow in your area naturally. provide natural stabilization to shorelines. Sometimes referred to as biotechnical erosion control (BEC), adding woody and aquatic vegetation can be the best form of erosion control.

How Landscaping Services Can Resolve Your Waterfront Erosion Problem

A landscaping service can be your best friend when it comes to resolving or preventing erosion. Sometimes the best way to address the problem is fairly straightforward. By planting grass, mulch and shrubs in a non-vegetative space, their root system will help stabilize and control the soil. As rainwater and melted snow will be better constrained, these factors can work together to protect the topsoil from drifting away with the elements.

If you live near a shoreline, added vegetation can certainly help, but other solutions may also be necessary. Some examples of these are:

• Rip Rap Rocks. You may have seen these large rocks stacked on slanted land at the shoreline’s edge. When installed on stable soil, the barrier they provide serves as protection from waves crashing onto the land.
• Bulkhead Rock or Seawalls. Similarly, these rock installations are a common way of slowing shoreline erosion, although they may need reinforcement over time. Solutions involving bulkheads or seawalls require research into their effectiveness on a given property, how they will affect the neighboring properties, and other factors.
• Land Changes. From water runoff diversions to trenches and contour wattling, there are many methods for maintaining sound and stable land near a shoreline. An examination of your property by an expert will help you determine what solution has the most long-term potential for your space.

Talk to an Erosion Control Expert at an Experienced, Full-Service Landscaping Company

Many different tools and products can be part of a holistic plan to address waterfront erosion prevention. Because it is an investment in time and resources, it is crucial to speak with someone who understands the benefits and applications for addressing different scenarios. When you speak with a specialist at Sheldon Landscaping, you’ll get a much clearer idea of which shoreline erosion control methods are better matches for preventing erosion along your property’s waterline, and which are less likely to be effective.

Keep in mind that the area closest to the shoreline is still connected to the rest of your property. One reason to work with a full-service land management company is that all of your landscaping solutions should be designed to work together instead of a piecemeal approach. At Sheldon, we can walk you through your shoreline options while also designing and maintaining a beautiful property surrounding your home.

We also offer:

• Weekly lawn care
• Holiday light displays
• Garden design
• On-going land management

If you’re concerned about your waterfront property, contact Sheldon Landscapes to get erosion control assistance as soon as possible. Our team will work together to ensure your unique outdoor space gets just what it needs. Visit us online or call us today to get started!