Designing the Buffer, cont.

A natural buffer is the simplest and least expensive of the three options. To develop this requires only a decision on your part about the size of the vegetated strip you wish to have, a commitment to stop mowing the area, and the patience to allow plant material to become established and grow. Plants establish themselves in succession, and it will probably be several years before shrubs and trees become rooted and thrive. Advantages of this option are that the native plants that do become established are tough and resilient and a natural part of the lake ecosystem -- and you've invested no personal funds.

The owners of this property have done an excellent job of maintaining an undisturbed buffer of native trees, shrubs, and groundcover between the lake and their camp.

Often folks feel that once a buffer is in place, they will lose control of their access to the water -- both physical and visual. Not so! Traffic can be directed by the use of appropriately placed shrubs and trees, which can be trimmed so that views of the water are preserved. Trees and shrubs that are pruned in an "open" manner also allow for better air circulation.