February 15, 2024 Using Native Plants to Combat Shoreline Erosion In Minnesota, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” is not just a tagline but a way of life. With approximately 90,000 miles of lakeshores shaping our geography, the delicate balance between land and water creates some of the most important habitat in our state. Preserving the integrity of our vast natural shorelines and reducing erosion is paramount. Addressing shoreline erosion isn’t just about protecting property and maintaining picturesque views; it’s about preserving critical ecosystems, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Below, we will take a quick look at what causes shoreline erosion, the ill effects, and how to prevent erosion with native plants to restore our shorelines. Natural vs. Human-Induced Erosion Shoreline erosion takes place naturally but is also accelerated by human activities. On one hand, natural erosion occurs over time as wind, waves, currents, and ice nibble away at the land. It’s like the Earth’s way of reshaping itself. On the other hand, there’s human-induced erosion, which is accelerated by development, removing native vegetation, wave action from boats, and hydrological changes. Both types can impact the stability of our shores, affecting not just the way they look, but also their ecological integrity and function. One of the primary causes of erosion that we see along metro area lakes is the removal of native vegetation. Often, shoreland owners simply want to open views to create a tidy and well-manicured look. In order to achieve this, deep rooted native vegetation is replaced with shallow rooted turf grass. This is often a recipe for disaster. Native plant roots are extremely effective at creating a tough living matrix that holds soil in place and reduces erosion. Without this natural erosion control mechanism, shores are extremely susceptible to soil loss from wave and ice action. The Effects of Erosion The cumulative effects of shoreline erosion on individual lots can have widespread impacts on lake water quality. When soil erodes from shorelines into the lake, it causes sedimentation, leading to increased cloudiness and reduced sunlight penetration in the water. This affects aquatic plants, disrupting the lake’s natural balance. Additionally, the eroded soil often carries nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen into the lake, leading to nutrient overload. This excess of nutrients can trigger algal blooms, which, when decomposed, consume oxygen and create harmful conditions for fish and other aquatic life. Moreover, the sedimentation can smother the lake’s bottom habitats, negatively affecting organisms living there. Addressing and preventing shore erosion is crucial for maintaining the overall health and stability of lake ecosystems. Rip-rap and Sea-walls: The Traditional Fix The traditional approach to combating shoreline erosion in Minnesota has been to use man-made structures like rock rip-rap or sea walls. However, these solutions often exacerbate the problems they intend to solve. Firstly, hardened shorelines destroy habitat and disrupt ecosystem functioning by hindering wildlife movement. Moreover, these structures fail to absorb wave energy. This oftentimes leads to scouring and habitat loss, while also redirecting waves toward neighboring properties, perpetuating erosion. Additionally, they impede natural drainage and water infiltration, resulting in increased runoff of pollutants into lakes, degrading water quality. Despite their prevalence, these man-made solutions come at a high cost compared to natural alternatives like natural shoreland buffers. Clearly, though traditional fixes may seem appealing, they often fall short of delivering the desired benefits and can even exacerbate the issues they aim to address. Prevent Erosion with Native Plants When developing ecological restoration plans for lakeshores, most often, our number one priority is to introduce a variety of appropriate native shoreline species that will significantly reduce erosion. Depending on site conditions, we will choose specific bio-engineering techniques to stabilize soils and aid in plant establishment. Shoreline plant communities will develop extensive root systems, penetrating depths of 2 to 3 feet, adding to bank stability. With over 20 years of experience, we have identified native “workhorse” species – ones that exhibit exceptional resistance to various stressors, including wave action, flooding, and the incessant feeding activities of muskrats. Once established, these native plants prevent erosion and serve as sentinels, naturally protecting the shoreline and are also essential in ecosystem function. The Benefits For lakeshore property owners in Minnesota, managing shoreline erosion while keeping costs in check is a top priority. Traditional methods like rock rip-rap installations can be costly, ranging from $300 to $500 per linear foot, compared to establishing a natural shoreland and prevent erosion with native plants for $50 to $150 per linear foot. Beyond cost savings, natural shoreline restoration offers numerous benefits. Not only do they enhance the aesthetic appeal of the landscape but also boosts property values by 3% to 13%. Natural shores create ecologically diverse habitats critical for wildlife survival. They also reduce nutrient and chemical runoff into lakes, improving water quality. By eliminating the need for chemical inputs, like fertilizers and herbicides, natural shore restoration also contributes to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, this approach enhances recreational opportunities and provides valuable outdoor learning experiences for families and communities. Collaborative efforts in shoreline restoration foster a sense of community connection and stewardship toward preserving Minnesota’s cherished lakeshores. Contact Us Today Unsure of what the best solution is for your shoreline? At Natural Shore, we have more than 20 years of experience in restoring shorelines. We’re here to help you find the best solution for your unique shoreline erosion issues. Whether you need supplemental plantings to fortify your existing natural shoreline, a complete shoreline overhaul, or a natural buffer above your existing rip-rap, we’ve done it all and seen it all. We’re eager to assist you in solving your shoreline erosion problem. Contact us today!
Pascal Nalimanana Rabeson says March 19, 2024 at 6:39 am Restoration of shorelines is so important especially with native plants. In Madagascar, we definitely need to restore the shorelines of many lakes which requires lots of information to be able to realize it. I find it is very useful this site to exchange experiences in restoration. Reply
Monica Kleve says September 24, 2025 at 8:08 am I would like to get help with a modest residential plan for a 20 ft section of lakeshore and an acre of prairie. I can send photos or come in. Reply
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