I have about 300 feet of lake shore that needs to be cleaned up and somehow addressed. The lake is the lower reservior for a hydroelectric dam, so the water level randomly fluctuates 13', sometimes over a period of just a few hours. Consequently, there is a strip of land about 50 feet wide that is above water sometimes, and underwater other times. Right now (in it's "natural" state), it is littered with tree limbs and trunks that have washed in over about 30 years, and lots of pine needles and decaying leaves. It looks absolutely awful when the water is low. The lake authority has guidelines that do not allow a sand beach or a sea wall structure, but do allow plantings that prevent shore erosion.
We are going to be clearing the debris out in the early spring, but we will need to replace it soon after to prevent erosion. This area slope gently down toward the south. Can anyone suggest plantings that can survive being under water, need little maintenence, and would look natural but neat? I am thinking of maybe a combination of cattails and something lower growing, but know absolutely nothing about this kind of horticulture. Thanks for any advice.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: aggiearchi,
Just hand over the Blue Bell and no one get's hurt, seeeeee?
Posts: 2515 | Location: Commonwealth of Virginia, but Texas in my heart | Registered: Sep 19, 2002
I don't know what to suggest but doesn't the state of Virginia have some kind of horticultural assistance? For instance in Texas I would go to the county agent, check with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or visit the Texas A & M 's webiste regarding planting. You definitely don't want to plant anything that becomes invasive so you need to be very cautious because what you do in your area can certainly impact the whole lake for many years to come. (And what is acceptable in some areas is invasive in others so research carefully.)
I believe when you die and go to heaven, all the dogs and cats you have ever had in your life will come running to meet you.
Posts: 748 | Location: Hill Country of Texas | Registered: Sep 19, 2002
Yah, how about rip-rap, could you put "natural to your area" stone on shore or would that be considered a sea wall of sorts? My husband (dirt contractor and miner) has place lots and lots of rip rap on shorelines of lakes and rivers in our area, usually with filter fabric, when complete it looks natural to the environment and stays put.
Posts: 243 | Location: South Dakota | Registered: May 01, 2006
