The shoreland area is typically divided into three zones: upland, wet shoreline, and aquatic zones. This is done to make it easy to select appropriate plants and planting methods specific to each zone. It is important to identify the type of site you have because many plant species are adapted to, or grow best under, certain conditions. The greatest difference in plant species composition occurs across upland zones. For your restoration efforts to be successful, choose species that are appropriate to conditions in your buffer zone and that will flourish in those conditions.

First we will describe the different types of sites, then suggest ways of identifying your site type, and finally offer links to lists and descriptions of appropriate plants for each type of site.

Upland Zone

The upland zone extends from the wet shoreline zone farther into the upland area and is never under water. This zone supports upland forest species that are not tolerant of flooding. Site conditions (i.e., soil type, sun exposure, moisture) influence the type of plants that this zone will support.

In order to know which native plants are appropriate for your site, you need to determine your site type. To do this:

1. Look at the soil. Dig several small holes (6-12 inches deep). Is the soil dry sand, a mix of sand and loam, or rich and moist loam? (See numbers 1-3, above.)
   AND,
   
2. Look at the native vegetation that remains in your buffer area. If the current condition of your shoreland buffer is a mowed lawn, with little or no native vegetation remaining, you can visit an undeveloped shoreland site nearby to see what native plants are present. The shoreland that you use as a reference site should have a slope to the lake similar to your shoreland, face the same general compass direction, (N, S, E, W), and have the same soil type as your buffer zone.

Wet Shoreline Zone

The wet shoreline zone is the area that is seasonally flooded. Starting approximately at the lake’s edge, this zone extends up the shore, covering the area under water during the spring floods and after major rain events. Plants in this zone will tolerate ‘wet feet’ for short periods of time. Usually the most energy-intensive of the shoreland zones due to water current, wave action, and ice scouring, the wet shoreline zone frequently has erosion problems that arise from mismanagement of vegetation. Removal of deep-rooted native vegetation in this area and replacing it with shallow-rooted turf, a sand beach, or rocks along the shore accelerates erosion. The result may be a gradual loss of shoreline, gullies, or undercutting of the bank, followed by periods of slumping of the bank into the water. The extensive, deep roots of native grasses and sedges and the more sturdy roots of shrubs and trees are effective at preventing minor erosion along the shore. If serious erosion problems persist, it may be necessary to stabilize the shore using ‘soft armor’ such as bioengineering techniques. Homeowners should consult with local soil conservation professionals before resorting to bioengineering.

Before planting in the wet shoreline zone, remove or control any invasive or aggressive plants that may out-compete the native species you plant in this zone. Once these species are under control, native seedlings can be planted directly into the existing beach or turf. Seeds are typically not used in this zone because they are likely to be washed away before becoming established. Continue to remove unwanted and aggressive plants to further encourage the establishment of those native species that you planted.

Aquatic Zone

The aquatic zone remains under water the entire year. Plants in this zone have special adaptations that enable them to survive being partially or totally under water. Emergent and floating-leaved plants, such as bulrush, sedges, water-lily, bur-reed, spike-rush, arrowhead, pickerel-weed, and cattail provide a natural wave break that protects the shore from erosion. Large waves can be diminished to small ripples as they pass through a stand of aquatic plants. Extensive root systems of grasses and sedges in shallow water further protect the shore from erosion by holding the soil in place. Submerged plants such as coontail, (native) water-milfoil, bladderwort, waterweed, and many species of pondweed provide important structure and food for a variety of aquatic animals, from snails to muskies. The plant species appropriate for a particular site depend largely on the type of substrate (muck or peat vs. sand or cobble), water depth, and the amount of wave action. While aquatic vegetation can be restored in this zone, the methods will not be covered here. Ask your county extension agent for advise on restoring your aquatic zone.

This site administered by:
Bill Klase, Basin Educator for Natural Resources
william.klase@ces.uwex.edu

copyright 2005 Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, doing business as the division of the cooperative extension of the University of Wisconsin.
An EEO/Affirmative Action employer, University of Wisconsin-Extension provides equal opportunities in
employment and programming, including Title IX and ADA requirements.