Benefits of Vegetated Buffers

The mixed root systems of trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers help to stabilize banks and access points.

Reducing overland flow of water helps to prevent siltation of shoreline areas. An overabundance of silts and sediments make the lake or stream bottom mucky, the rocks slippery, and destroys fish spawning areas. Excess sediments from eroded banks, camp roads, and pathways forever alter the shoreline ecosystem. Heavy deposits of sediment in shallow areas of the lake creates an ideal growing area for unwanted species of rooted lake plants which change the composition and distribution of plant communities in shoreline areas. They often conflict with recreational activities such as swimming and boating.

Buffers protect against noise and enhance privacy for lakefront residents.

Dense plantings of shrubs and/or trees dampen noise levels from watercraft and neighborhood traffic. Mixed plantings also furnish an attractive living screen against visual intrusion, and if carefully placed, can actually refine waterfront views. The lower branches of trees can be removed to provide openings for views from your camp or shoreline.

Buffers can be designed to provide protection against the effects of wind and sun.

Properly placed vegetation can divert chilling winds and provide shade, allowing the "living space" to remain more comfortable. Groundcovers not only protect bare soil, but they also deflect heat.

Whether we live at the water's edge, or elsewhere in the watershed, all of us want the lake to be clean when we get there. Vegetation along the shorefront benefits everyone.

Buffers supply shade, shelter, and a food source at the water's edge, ensuring habitat for wildlife that frequent shoreline areas.

Fruits of the redosier dogwood are eaten by ruffed grouse, pheasant, wood duck, and many species of songbirds.

The low, dense growth of the beaked hazelnut is ideal nesting and protective cover for wildlife; squirrels and chipmunks feed on the nuts, while grouse feed on the catkins.

Leaves from trees and shrubs that fall intothe water provide food sources for aquatic insects, themselves being food for fish and other small vertebrates.

Buffers are attractive, long-lived, easily maintained, and can be created at low costs.

Several options exist for buffer designs. A little time spent in planning can have big payoffs later in maintenance requirements. Just think -- less lawn to mow! Choose a plan that fits your lifestyle, and remember that you do not have to complete your buffer in one season.

Shrubs and flowering plants have been added to the natural growth of this buffer.

Preventing erosion saves time and money!