Shoreline Landscaping:Shoreline Landscaping:Preserving Your Properties ValuePreserving Your Properties Value

Lakescape Solutions LLC

Nick Homan

How old is thisHow old is this planting?planting?

A. 1 yr.

B. 3 yrs.

C. 5 yrs. Planted end of July

Before After

Value of Lake Property Value of Lake Property

Property Value InfoProperty Value Info

10% of value is in large trees

10-20% may be in the overall landscape

40-100% is based directly on quality of your lake

Source: Eco Building and Forestry

Cost Sharing ValueCost Sharing Value

WI-DNR sees enough value in shoreline buffers to offer up to 75% cost reimbursement through grant programs

When was the last time a government agency gave you $$$ for making an improvement to your property

Logo source: Wisconsin Dept of natural Resources

Benefits of Natural a ShorelineBenefits of Natural a Shoreline

Natural Beauty BenefitsNatural Beauty Benefits

Vibrant Colors and Textures

Natural Beauty BenefitsNatural Beauty Benefits

Attract Wildlife

Importance and Value to WildlifeImportance and Value to Wildlife

90% of all lake life is born, raised and fed in the area where land and water meet.

80% of the plants and animals listed as endangered species live all or part of their lives in this littoral (near shore) zone.

Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources

More Natural Beauty BenefitsMore Natural Beauty Benefits

Keep the Cabin a Getaway from Urban Environment

Environmental BenefitsEnvironmental Benefits

Increased biodiversity and better plant adaptation

Help keep invasive exotics at bay

Decreased storm water runoff and reduced erosion

Better flood control

Environmental Benefits cont.Environmental Benefits cont.

No need for additional fertilizers

Enhanced water quality protection

Increased fish and wildlife habitat

Photos: UW Lakes Extension

Satisfaction and Maintenance Satisfaction and Maintenance BenefitsBenefits Less maintenance (after establishment)

Increased privacy and noise reduction

Enhanced natural insect control

Discourages Canada Geese from #*%!ing on your recreation space

Provides a space to teach children about nature and conservancy

Water Quality BenefitsWater Quality BenefitsReduced nutrient and sediment

introduction into lake• 1 lb of Phosphorus = 500 lbs of plants or

algae• Increased sediment = decreased water clarity

Clean lakes = Higher property values$$$

• Value can increase up to $75/ ft. of water clarity depth

Source:MaryJo Gingras, Iron County Land Conservation

Photo: UW lakes extension

Executing Your Shoreline Executing Your Shoreline RestorationRestoration

Planning ProcessPlanning Process

Site location• Dimensions• Lake access and viewing• Other uses

Site problems and characteristics• Erosion• Ponding• Maintenance concerns

Develop design and implement plan

Installation ProcessInstallation Process

Three basic steps1. Remove or kill off turf1. Remove or kill off turf

2. Mulch and plant area2. Mulch and plant area

3. Water and enjoy!3. Water and enjoy!

Start Finish

Step 1: Use herbicides or black plastic to kill existing vegetation, remove dead material depending on planting method

Step 2: Place mulch over area and plant with native plant materials

Step 3: WATER, WATER, WATER! Most important to being successful in establishing a strong buffer.

Enjoy your new landscape investment!!!

Cost of InvestmentCost of Investment

Plant Plugs (Aggressive)

– $1.50-$3.50 /Sq. Ft. Seed (Less Aggressive)

– $1.00 -$2.50 /Sq. Ft. Combination Seed and Plugs (Least Aggressive)

Average property with 100 feet of shoreline, plug planting– $4,000 - $6,000

Cost VariablesCost Variables

Plant Size, age and rarity Plant quantities needed & planting method (seed vs. plugs)

– Minimum plant densities are regulated by DNR Erosion control

Mulch and other materials– Erosion control materials – Landscape path stone…

Equipment needs to complete work

Access to site/ time involved

Homeowner sweat equity/ DIY

Natural Shoreline and Landscape Natural Shoreline and Landscape OptionsOptions Complete shoreline restoration Shoreline editing Rain gardens Storm water management techniques Native prairies Native plant landscaping Edible Gardening Bird sanctuaries Designated recreational lawn areas Firewise landscaping

What to Expect of Your PlantingWhat to Expect of Your Planting

1-3 growing seasons of establishment

Weeding/ watering

Possible re-establishment needed

Reduced maintenance with time

Possible need to control nuisance animals during establishment period– Usually can be done with temporary fencing

What to Look for in a ContractorWhat to Look for in a Contractor Experience with your situation Design style approach Flexibility with homeowner input an DIY Knowledge of governing ordinances Relationship with regulating agencies

• County Land and Water Conservation Dept.• Planning and Zoning • Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources

Customer references Examples of previous work

• Designs• Photos

Payment and contract terms Materials sources

• Locally sourced when possible• Plant guarantees

What You Can Have Prepared What You Can Have Prepared For Your ContractorFor Your ContractorHow do you want to use the space?

• Relaxation/ entertainment• Site seeing• Photography

What is your lifestyle/ hobbies?• Recreation• Travel• Kids, grandkids, pets

Photos: UW lakes extension

For Your ContractorFor Your Contractor

Types of plants you like or dislike• Colors• Textures• Wild edibles• Size

Ideas for your landscape• Pathways• Structures (were allowable)• Viewing areas

More For Your ContractorMore For Your Contractor

Budget Restrictions $$$?

Sweat Equity/ DIY?

Site problems and limitations• Septic systems• Wells• Electrical (private lines)• Drain tiles…

Thoughts to RememberThoughts to Remember

A natural shoreline is an investment in your property and it will help preserve and increase your property value.

The main objective is to protect our waterways from negative impact.

There are a variety of choices to tailor your landscape to your needs and lifestyle and still meet ordinance requirements.

And The Answer Is…And The Answer Is…A. 1yr.A. 1yr.

July 2008July 2007

“Water is the most critical resource issue of our lifetime and our children’s future. The health of our lakes is the principal measure of how we live on the land.”

-Luna Leopold

Question and AnswersQuestion and Answers

Lakescape Solutions LLC

Stevens Point, WI

Nick Homan

715-340-6674