NATIVE VEGETATION

Prior to selecting plants for your property:

1. Determine the amount of sunlight (full sun, part sun, or full shade) on your planting area.

2. Determine your soil moisture²⁹ (dry, moist, wet) and texture³⁰.

3. Determine your soil pH. You can either purchase an at-home soil pH test or perform the following test:

Combine ½ cup of designated soil, ½ cup of water, and ½ cup baking soda. If the reaction causes bubbling or fixing, your soil is acidic (source)³¹

Creating a planting plan:

This Lakeshore Landscaping Guide is a great resource when planting along a lakeshore

If you are considering revegetating a large portion of the shoreline, consider looking at the garden design templates for different slopes, starting on page 14

Looking for inspiration for a shoreline-friendly planting project? See the numerous shoreline garden examples and planting plans, starting on page 18

A guide to tree, shrub, and perennial vegetation options for shorelines based on your property’s light and soil moisture can be found starting on page 30

To determine vegetation options based on light, moisture, and pH, click here¹¹ and see pages 30-34.

For ideas on garden design and management, click here¹¹ and see pages 18-29

Find other suggestions for shoreline trees and shrubs, click here³².

For information on “rewilding” and how to implement it on your property, listen to this podcast¹⁶.

For information on Permitting and Inspections before implementing your improvements, click here³³.