A natural shoreline management approach represents a significant reduction in maintenance time and costs when compared to conventional methods. You may want to download this maintenance plan checklist to guide your activities. Below are some extra notes regarding maintenance:
Aquatic Plants - Replant and anchor plants that are uprooted or washed away. Once established, aquatics require little or no long-term maintenance.
Transitional and Upland Plants - Watering during the first few years will give the native plants an advantage over invasive plants.
During the first year, weeding will also give native plants an edge over weeds. Avoid fertilizing since that encourages problem plants.
During the second season, you should plan on only watering only during droughts. Weeding may only be necessary every three weeks.
During the third season and beyond, cut out dried vegetation. Once a month, pull out weeds and invasive plants.
Prescribed burning or scheduled mowing is recommended to maintain a robust native prairie community. Consult landscapers or natural resource professionals for advice on this important management tool.
Replacement - Replant as soon as possible when large gaps appear in planting areas. Expect and enjoy the changes that will occur over time.
Geese - Discourage geese from feeding off the young plant shoots. Use bird scare tape or fencing to keep the geese away. Goose tape (bottom photo) made from a shimmering reflective material, can be hung and regularly spaced along a fence an effective countermeasure.