Protect Lake and Pond Banks and Shorelines
Have you ever wondered if your shoreline is suffering from erosion? Chances are, it is. Shoreline erosion is a common, natural phenomenon that can occur as a result of harsh weather, recreation, poor landscape design, or simply, an aging freshwater ecosystem. Over time, erosion can lead to the formation of trenches, gullies, and hazardous banks.
If shoreline erosion is not addressed, your lake, stormwater pond, or canal may experience native vegetation and habitat loss, nutrient loading, excess runoff, and other complications that accelerate the rate at which your waterbody loses depth and volume. Not to mention, shoreline erosion can be a significant eyesore for homeowners associations, golf courses, municipalities, and other properties in our communities.
Shoreline Management Solutions
Repair Shoreline Erosion with Bioengineered Living Shorelines
Through SOLitude’s close partnerships, we are proud to offer a variety of unique shoreline erosion control solutions that halt sedimentation and restore damaged banks. These innovative bioengineered living shorelines are composed of knitted mesh systems that can be used to create a long-lasting sediment-containment barrier along the shoreline.
Once in place, grass, native vegetation, and buffer plants can be installed directly into the knitted mesh, creating a beautiful and living wall of plants. One benefit of the bioengineered living shorelines mesh technology is that it will not rip or lose its integrity over time, but rather, continue to hold the earth in place.
Before & After
- Shoreline Erosion
Long-Lasting Results
Patented bioengineered living shorelines are warranted to provide at least five years of stabilization, making them an excellent shoreline erosion control option to enhance the health and longevity of delicate banks while improving water quality and aesthetics.
In addition to being ecologically friendly, these mesh barriers are a custom solution for every property. The patented mesh can be filled with local sediment or dredged materials from the project site and positioned at the ideal slope and width, providing between 3 inches and 4 feet of shoreline protection.
Alternative Shoreline Stabilization Solutions
Bioengineered living shorelines are SOLitude’s recommended approach to shoreline erosion repair, but the right solution depends on your site conditions, goals, and budget. Common alternatives include riprap, bulkheads, erosion control logs, and silt fences.
- Riprap: A shoreline erosion control method that uses large, strategically placed rocks to absorb and redirect wave energy.
- Bulkheads: Solid vertical barriers that help control shoreline erosion in areas with strong wave action or limited space.
- Erosion control logs: Natural-fiber tubes, also called coir logs, that stabilize shoreline soil and support the growth of native grasses and other vegetation.
- Silt fences: Temporary fabric barriers that help control erosion by capturing sediment and organic material before they leave the site.
Prevent Future Erosion Damage with Proactive Shoreline Management
No matter the type of erosion problem you’re facing, it’s extremely important to cultivate a beneficial vegetative buffer around your waterbody. Buffers are simple to maintain and help keep sediment in place during rainstorms. They’re also known to provide a plethora of benefits beyond erosion control, including nutrient filtration and aesthetic enhancement. Click to view some of our recommended buffer species.
Weak and damaged shorelines can reduce property values and can threaten compliance with stormwater regulations. Likewise, eroded banks often signify significant sedimentation and loss of holding capacity. Whether you would like to address an existing erosion problem or reinforce the strength and appearance of your lake, pond or canal ecosystem, it’s important to stay ahead of sedimentation problems using buffer management and eco-friendly shoreline erosion control strategies.
