Living on a lake offers a lifestyle of peace and connection to nature but it also comes with important responsibilities. One that can sometimes go overlooked is maintaining your shoreline, especially before starting big landscaping projects. Shoreline maintenance can feel overwhelming, especially for those new to owning a lakeside property who don’t know where to start. Here are 4 things to consider when it comes to keeping your shoreline healthy.
Take Steps to Avoid Shore Erosion
Shoreline erosion happens when a lake’s waves gradually eat away at the land, causing a noticeable drop from the edge of the land down to the water. Erosion can cause problems for wildlife and plants as well as make it difficult for people to access the lake. Erosion can be mitigated by allowing natural resources, such as vegetation, rocks, and other materials, to be naturally maintained with limited interference. Additional ways to prevent erosion include preventing runoff from patios or decks, and being mindful of no wake zones when boating.
Protect the Shore and Native Plants
When cleaning up your shoreline, it’s tempting to want to remove everything that’s growing. While it’s fine to remove a limited number of plants if they are obstructing your view or access to the water, you should not remove all vegetation. It’s recommended to leave as much of it alone as possible to ensure a healthy ecosystem, as well as avoid unnecessary shore erosion. If you do need to remove significant plant growth or make other major landscaping changes, be sure you acquire a permit and get approval first.
Manage Weeds
While native plants are important to maintain, weeds are usually safe to remove. Weeds that grow in the water are often a nuisance for boats and can make it dangerous to swim in the water. They can also choke out the healthy plants that are growing. The most effective way to remove weeds is by pulling them out by hand or raking them out of the water. Weed killer is usually not recommended as it can harm the water and surrounding vegetation.
Test the Water Quality
Water quality is an often overlooked part of maintaining your shoreline. Poor water quality can lead to algae blooms, increased weed growth, poor habitats for fish and other wildlife, and can even play a part in shoreline erosion. Knowing the quality of your lake’s water can help to determine the health of your shoreline and if any steps may be needed to ensure the wellbeing and longevity of your property.
Shoreline maintenance can be hard work, but having a healthy lakeside is definitely worth it. Still dreaming about owning your own lake home? Turn that dream into a reality this spring by contacting us at Bill Hansen Realty. Our team is here and ready to help you find the perfect place.