With Minnesota being the land of 10,000 lakes, it’s no wonder that shoreline work is our most demanded landscaping service. But not all shorelines are created equal, and it is important to do your research when deciding what is the best option for you.
Riprap
Our most popular option, riprap is a permanent and erosion resistant barrier of large, loose angular stone. When waves crash against the land, riprap decreases the water velocity and protects with little to no maintenance or upkeep. Riprap is especially effective where erosion potential is high.
Proper Riprap installation requires a proper measurements of the shoreline, and many bodies of water have special permitting requirements that need to be taken into consideration before the first stone is placed.
During the installation phase, it is important to have a professional that knows how to achieve proper thickness and line. Often, proper riprap requires a combination of both hand and mechanical placement of stones in order to achieve an attractive look.
An often overlooked benefit of installing riprap is that it often can be done during the winter months, even when there is snow and ice on the ground. If you are considering Riprap, you may want to have it done during the wintertime in order to get maximum enjoyment of your shoreline during the spring and summer months.
Native Vegetation
As we become increasingly aware of human impact on our environment, many homeowners are looking for a more sustainable option for their shorelines. A natural shoreline provides a complex ecosystem for fish and wildlife and acts as a natural buffer zone that reduces erosion. Planting grasses and seasonal flowering plants on a shoreline provides nutrients and absorbs runoff, where riprap does not provide these additional benefits.
A natural shoreline is a great option to those worried about the environmental impact of riprap, however it takes about 3 years for the plants and grasses to fully mature. If you are worried about bugs and critters invading your property, a natural shoreline may not be for you.
Natural Environments Corporation, one of the largest landscaping companies in Minneapolis, MN, can provide you a free and professional consultation that you can trust when it comes to the options for protecting your shoreline.
