Newly Installed Natural Planted Shoreline Care Sheet
Congratulations on your newly installed natural planted shoreline! This living buffer is a beautiful and effective way to protect your waterfront property, enhance water quality, and provide valuable habitat. Proper care during the initial establishment period is crucial for the long-term success of your investment. This care sheet provides in-depth instructions to ensure your shoreline thrives.
I. Initial Establishment Period (First 1-3 Years)
The first few years are critical for your plants to establish strong root systems. During this time, consistent attention to watering, weeding, and protection from disturbance is essential.
A. Watering
Frequency: Regular watering is vital, especially during the first growing season.
Week 1-4: Water daily, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Aim for deep watering that reaches the root zone.
Week 5-12: Reduce watering to every 2-3 days, depending on rainfall and soil moisture.
Remaining First Year: Water 1-2 times per week during dry periods.
Second & Third Year: Water deeply during extended dry spells (periods of 7-10 days without significant rainfall).
Method:
Sprinkler System: If using a sprinkler, ensure it provides even coverage to all planted areas.
Hose with Soaker Attachment: This allows for deep, slow watering that penetrates the soil effectively.
Avoid: Overhead sprinklers that cause excessive leaf wetness can increase disease risk, especially in sunny conditions.
Tips:
Feel the soil moisture 2-3 inches deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water.
Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
B. Weeding
Importance: Weeds compete with your newly planted native species for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Aggressive weeding is critical during the establishment phase.
Frequency:
Weekly Inspection: Inspect your shoreline weekly for weeds, especially during the spring and early summer when weed growth is most vigorous.
Immediate Removal: Remove weeds as soon as they appear. Small weeds are much easier to pull than established ones.
Method:
Hand-Pulling: This is the preferred method for removing weeds around new plants. Be careful not to disturb the roots of your desirable plants.
Tools: Use a small hand trowel or weeding fork for stubborn weeds, but always prioritize minimal soil disturbance.
Avoid: Chemical herbicides are generally not recommended for newly planted shorelines as they can harm desirable plants and impact water quality. If chemical control is absolutely necessary, consult with a qualified professional.
C. Protection from Disturbance
Foot Traffic:
Restrict Access: Avoid walking on the newly planted areas. Foot traffic can compact the soil, damage delicate roots, and displace mulch.
Designated Paths: If access to the water is needed, consider creating a designated, narrow path away from the planted zones.
Wildlife:
Deer & Geese: Young plants can be attractive to deer, geese, and other wildlife.
Fencing: Temporary fencing or individual plant cages may be necessary in areas with high wildlife pressure.
Repellents: Consider using environmentally safe wildlife repellents, but reapply as per product instructions, especially after rain.
Erosion Control:
Inspect Regularly: After heavy rains, inspect the shoreline for any signs of erosion (e.g., washouts, exposed roots).
Repair Promptly: Address any erosion issues immediately by gently reshaping the area and adding appropriate erosion control materials if needed (e.g., coir logs, erosion control blankets, if originally installed). Consult with a professional if extensive repairs are required.
D. Mulching
Purpose: Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, regulate soil temperature, and add organic matter as it decomposes.
Material: Use a natural, untreated mulch such as wood chips (from native trees, if possible) or shredded leaves.
Application:
Depth: Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch, keeping it a few inches away from the stems of your plants to prevent rot.
Replenish: Replenish mulch as needed, typically annually, to maintain the desired depth.
II. Long-Term Maintenance (After Establishment)
Once your shoreline plants are established (typically after 3 years), ongoing maintenance will be less intensive but still important for continued health and effectiveness.
A. Monitoring
Annual Inspection: Conduct a thorough inspection of your shoreline at least once a year, preferably in the spring or fall.
Plant Health: Check for signs of disease, insect damage, or nutrient deficiencies.
Weed Incursion: Continue to monitor for invasive weeds and remove them promptly.
Erosion: Look for any signs of erosion or instability.
Plant Vigor: Assess the overall health and vigor of your plants. Replace any plants that have not survived.
B. Pruning & Trimming
As Needed: Most native shoreline plants do not require extensive pruning.
Dead/Damaged Branches: Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches as they appear.
Shaping (Minimal): If a plant is becoming overgrown or blocking a view, light shaping can be done, but avoid excessive pruning that could stress the plant.
Seed Heads: Consider leaving some seed heads over winter as they provide food for birds and visual interest.
C. Fertilization
Generally Not Needed: Native plants are adapted to local soil conditions and typically do not require supplemental fertilization.
Soil Test: If your plants appear to be struggling after establishment, consider a soil test to determine if there are any nutrient deficiencies before applying fertilizer. If a soil test indicates a need, use a slow-release, native-plant-specific fertilizer, or compost. Avoid fertilizers high in phosphorus, which can contribute to algae growth in the water.
D. Invasive Species Control
Vigilance: Be vigilant for the appearance of invasive plant species (e.g., Phragmites, Purple Loosestrife, Garlic Mustard). These can quickly outcompete native plants.
Early Detection: The earlier invasive species are detected and removed, the easier they are to control.
Removal: Research appropriate removal methods for specific invasive species, as some require specialized techniques. Consult with a local conservation authority for guidance if you encounter widespread invasive species.
III. General Considerations
A. Winter Care
Minimal: Most native plants are adapted to winter conditions and require minimal specific care.
Snow Cover: Allow snow to accumulate naturally on the shoreline, as it provides insulation for roots.
Avoid Salt: Do not use road salt or de-icing chemicals near your planted shoreline, as they can harm plants and contaminate the water.
B. Benefits of Your Shoreline
Erosion Control: Your plants' root systems will stabilize the soil, preventing erosion and protecting your property from wave action and ice scour.
Water Quality: The plants filter runoff, absorbing excess nutrients and pollutants before they enter the water body, improving water quality.
Wildlife Habitat: Your shoreline provides food, shelter, and breeding grounds for a variety of birds, insects, amphibians, and other wildlife.
Aesthetics: A natural planted shoreline enhances the beauty and ecological value of your property.
IV. Resources and Support
If you have any questions or concerns about the care of your newly installed natural planted shoreline, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you in maintaining a healthy and thriving shoreline.
We are confident that with proper care, your natural planted shoreline will provide beauty and environmental benefits for years to come.