The shoreland area is typically divided into three zones: upland,
wet shoreline, and aquatic zones. This
is done to make it easy to select appropriate
plants and planting methods specific to each zone.
It is important to identify the type of site you have because
many plant species are adapted to, or grow best under, certain
conditions. The greatest
difference in plant species composition occurs across upland zones. For your restoration efforts to be successful, choose species
that are appropriate to conditions in your buffer zone and that will
flourish in those conditions.
First we will describe the different types of sites, then suggest
ways of identifying your site type, and finally offer links to lists and
descriptions of appropriate plants for each type of site.
Upland Zone
The upland zone extends from the wet shoreline zone farther into the
upland area and is never under water.
This zone supports upland forest species that are not tolerant of
flooding. Site conditions
(i.e., soil type, sun exposure, moisture) influence the type of plants
that this zone will support.
In order to know which native plants are appropriate for your site,
you need to determine your site
type. To do this:
1.
Look at the soil. Dig
several small holes (6-12 inches deep).
Is the soil dry sand, a mix of sand and loam, or rich and moist
loam? (See numbers 1-3,
above.)
AND,
2.
Look at the native vegetation that remains in your buffer area.
If the current condition of your shoreland buffer is a mowed lawn, with
little or no native vegetation remaining, you can visit an undeveloped
shoreland site nearby to see what native plants are present.
The shoreland that you use as a reference site should have a
slope to the lake similar to your shoreland, face the same general
compass direction, (N, S, E, W), and have the same soil type as your
buffer zone.
Wet Shoreline Zone
The wet shoreline zone is the area that is seasonally flooded.
Starting approximately at the lake’s edge, this zone extends up
the shore, covering the area under water during the spring floods and
after major rain events. Plants in this zone will tolerate ‘wet feet’ for short
periods of time. Usually
the most energy-intensive of the shoreland zones due to water current,
wave action, and ice scouring, the wet shoreline zone frequently has
erosion problems that arise from mismanagement of vegetation.
Removal of deep-rooted native vegetation in this area and
replacing it with shallow-rooted turf, a sand beach, or rocks along the
shore accelerates erosion. The
result may be a gradual loss of shoreline, gullies, or undercutting of
the bank, followed by periods of slumping of the bank into the water.
The extensive, deep roots of native grasses and sedges and the
more sturdy roots of shrubs and trees are effective at preventing minor
erosion along the shore. If
serious erosion problems persist, it may be necessary to stabilize the
shore using ‘soft armor’ such as bioengineering techniques.
Homeowners should consult with local soil conservation professionals
before resorting to bioengineering.
Before planting in the wet shoreline zone, remove or control any invasive
or aggressive plants that may out-compete the native species you
plant in this zone. Once
these species are under control, native seedlings can be planted
directly into the existing beach or turf.
Seeds are typically not used in this zone because they are likely
to be washed away before becoming established.
Continue to remove unwanted and aggressive plants to further
encourage the establishment of those native species that you planted.
Aquatic Zone
The aquatic zone remains under water the entire year. Plants
in this zone have special adaptations that enable them to survive being
partially or totally under water. Emergent and floating-leaved
plants, such as bulrush, sedges, water-lily, bur-reed, spike-rush,
arrowhead, pickerel-weed, and cattail provide a natural wave break that
protects the shore from erosion. Large waves can be diminished to
small ripples as they pass through a stand of aquatic plants.
Extensive root systems of grasses and sedges in shallow water further
protect the shore from erosion by holding the soil in place.
Submerged plants such as coontail, (native) water-milfoil, bladderwort,
waterweed, and many species of pondweed provide important structure and
food for a variety of aquatic animals, from snails to muskies. The
plant species appropriate for a particular site depend largely on the
type of substrate (muck or peat vs. sand or cobble), water depth, and
the amount of wave action. While aquatic vegetation can be
restored in this zone, the methods will not be covered here. Ask
your county extension agent for advice on restoring your aquatic
zone.
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