What is a vegetated buffer, cont.

Elements of a good buffer

To be effective, vegetated buffers need to be situated between the lake (or stream or drainage channel carrying water to the lake) and the developed area of your property. Remember, the purpose of buffers is to slow down runoff so that water and nutrients can filter slowly into the ground.

Buffers should not have straight channels through them, but paths that wind to the waterfront made of stable, nonerodible material. Straight pathways of bare soil act as conduits for pollutants, and are easily eroded. Uneven ground surfaces, with hummock and depressions, also help to slow down runoff, so that water can filter into the ground. Buffers should be as deep as possible, and span the entire length or width of the developed area you are shielding.

A good buffer should have several vegetation layers and a variety of plants to maximize the benefit of each type.

Trees. . .whether evergreen or deciduous, break up the impact of rain and wind, provide shade and habitat, and are long-lived. Their deep root systems absorb water and nutrients while maintaining the topographical structure of the land.

Shrubs. . .including flowering or non-flowering species, also deflect wind and rain, and are attractive to people and wildlife. Their medium-depth root systems absorb

Groundcovers. . .such as vines, ornamental grasses, flowers and herbs, slow down surface water flow, absorb nutrients and water, and trap sediment and organic debris. Their many forms are attractive, and their shallow root systems hold the soil

And finally, the duff layer. . . is the accumulated leaves, pine needles, and other plant matter on the forest floor. This layer acts like a sponge, to absorb water, trap sediment, and prevent erosion. Duff is a host to microorganisms that break down plant material and recycle nutrients.