Erosion is a natural process, and to a certain extent it is inevitable—if not entirely benign. But it is also a force that needs to be monitored and managed lest it result in severe damage and, in some situations, a safety hazard.
A great many factors influence the risk of erosion on any given shoreline. Steep slopes are more prone to erosion due to the effect of gravity. Stream banks are typically at greater risk than the banks of lakes and ponds due to the force of moving water. Loose, sandy soils also erode more rapidly than clay or loam because of the ease with which their particles can be displaced. Perhaps the most important factor to consider, however, is the type of vegetation present along the shoreline.
What vegetation is best for my pond’s shoreline?
Oversimplified, any vegetation is better than no vegetation at all. Bare ground experiences erosion just from the impact of raindrops, let alone the force of flowing water over time.
Avoid Woody Vegetation
Some types of vegetation are better than others, however, and some plants should actually be avoided. Trees and other woody plants, for example, while quite beneficial along streams and rivers, can be disastrous on a lake, pond or stormwater management facility. While it is true that a tree’s roots create a soil-holding net, they also penetrate the ground and then grow and expand. This has the effect of shifting earth, moving rocks, and even cracking concrete in some cases.
Opt for Herbaceous Plants for Your Buffer
More appropriate plants for pond shorelines are perennial herbaceous species, as these plants establish strong roots to hold the soil without causing the same types of disturbance.
Recommended perennial herbaceous plants include:
- Cardinal flower
- Woolgrass
- Swamp milkweed
- Joe-pye weed
- Hibiscus.
Taller vegetation is better than short-cropped grass, as it is more effective at dissipating the energy of falling rain and slowing sheet flow across the surface during heavy storms and floods.
Best Vegetation for Erosion Control
Perhaps the most overlooked form of vegetation for erosion control is emergent aquatic vegetation within the pond itself. Plants like pickerelweed, arrowhead and lizard tail help to break up waves and currents before they reach the shoreline, dissipating their energy and protecting the banks.
Determining the Best Plants for Your Waterbody
Vegetation can be selected and managed for a variety of additional benefits, ranging from wildlife habitat management, aesthetic appeal, goose deterrence, and even edibility. Additionally, the location of your lake or pond will influence which vegetation to incorporate into your shoreline, as some native plants thrive better in certain regions than others.
Overall, however, the more beneficial native vegetation you allow along the shoreline of your waterbody, the better it will serve you.
