Designing the Buffer
You have several options when designing a buffer
Look carefully at:
your lot -- bear in mind the site characteristics (see p. 9).
the developed areas you are treating -- include your house and driveway, camp road or public way, pathway to the lake, boathouse, etc.
your budget -- both for time (how much on-going maintenance do you want to do?) and financial constraints.
Consider
traffic patterns in your yard -- do you wish to direct pedestrian traffic or limit access to the water? deter wandering pets?
pathways to the shoreline -- do you have separate swimming and boating areas?
desire for privacy -- do you wish to be shielded from the road? from neighboring lots? from recreationists on the water?
aesthetics -- do you like to garden? wish to improve the looks and value of your lot?
recreation -- do you need a play area? have family barbecues? enjoy bird watching?
effects of wind and weather -- would you like to have a recreation area sheltered from wind or the hot sun?
Then decide whether you wish to have. . .
. . .a natural buffer. . .
an enhanced buffer. . .
. . .or a landscaped buffer.
NEXT
