Michigan’s lakeshores are diverse and dynamic, shaped by the water’s edge, soil type, and vegetation. To promote environmental health and control shoreline erosion, Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requires property owners seeking seawall or shoreline construction permits to establish a “no mow zone” or native buffer strip. These native plant buffers, divided into three lakeshore zones (aquatic, transition, and upland), are a best management practice for water quality, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Below is a guide on Michigan native plants suited for each lakeshore zone, with recommendations to help property owners foster a resilient and sustainable shoreline.

Understanding Shoreline Zones

Michigan’s lakeshore zones, as outlined by Michigan State University (MSU) and the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, each serve specific ecological functions. Selecting the right plant for each zone ensures effective erosion control and supports local wildlife. The three primary zones are:

1. Aquatic Zone: The water’s edge and areas regularly saturated with water.
2. Transition Zone: The shoreline’s edge where soil is moist, but not submerged.
3. Upland Zone: The area further inland, with better-drained soils and less water saturation.

Using native plants adapted to these zones will enhance soil stability, improve water quality, and reduce the need for pesticide use, benefiting both the environment and the property owner.

Aquatic Zone: Plants for Wet Soil and Wave Action

The aquatic zone endures regular water saturation and wave energy, requiring plants that thrive in these conditions. Coir logs and brush bundles can help establish these plants in high-energy areas by stabilizing the soil during early growth stages. Aquatic plants are crucial for water quality and provide habitat for fish and aquatic insects.

Transition Zone: Plants for Moist Soil and Variable Water Levels

The transition zone is often exposed to fluctuating water levels, so plants here should be able to tolerate both moist and dry conditions. This buffer zone is essential for filtering runoff, trapping soil particles, and preventing erosion as water flows from upland areas into the lake.

Upland Zone: Plants for Drier Soil and Stability

In the upland zone, the soil is typically well-drained, and the area experiences less direct wave action. Plants in this zone protect against upland soil erosion and complement the ecological balance of natural shorelines. Most varieties of upland zone plants meet no-mow zone requirements as well.

Benefits of Native Plants in Shoreline Zones

Using native species for shoreline stabilization provides numerous advantages that benefit both the environment and property owners, ensuring long-term ecological health and usability of shoreline areas:

Enhanced Erosion Control

Native plants, such as pickerelweed, hard-stemmed bulrush, and little bluestem, have extensive and dense root systems designed to anchor soil particles effectively. These roots bind soil together, minimizing erosion caused by wave action, fluctuating water levels, and heavy rainfall. Over time, these plants help stabilize shorelines, reducing the risk of land loss and maintaining property integrity.

Improved Water Quality

Native plant buffers act as natural filters for stormwater runoff, capturing and breaking down pollutants such as fertilizers, pesticides, and oil before they reach the water. Their ability to trap sediments reduces turbidity in lakes and streams, preserving aquatic ecosystems. For example, switchgrass and red osier dogwood are particularly effective at filtering runoff and improving water clarity.

Support for Local Wildlife

Native shoreline plants provide essential habitat and food sources for local wildlife. Species such as swamp milkweed and wild bergamot attract vital pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to the pollination of surrounding ecosystems. Additionally, aquatic plants like blue flag iris and marsh fern offer cover and breeding grounds for fish, frogs, and aquatic insects, promoting biodiversity along the shoreline.

Reduced Maintenance

Native plants are naturally adapted to Michigan’s climate, diverse soil types, and water conditions, requiring less watering, fertilizing, and general care than non-native or ornamental species. They are drought-tolerant, resistant to pests, and can thrive without frequent pruning or replacement. This means property owners can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance shoreline that enhances the environment without intensive upkeep.

Resilience to Local Conditions

Unlike non-native plants, native species are well-suited to withstand Michigan’s variable weather, including harsh winters and heavy storms. Their resilience helps them thrive in the specific conditions of shoreline zones, from consistently wet aquatic areas to drier upland zones, making them a reliable choice for long-term landscaping.

Economic and Aesthetic Benefits

Beyond their environmental advantages, native plants enhance the visual appeal of shorelines with seasonal blooms, lush greenery, and vibrant wildlife activity. Their reduced need for fertilizers and pesticides also lowers landscaping costs, making them a cost-effective choice for shoreline management.

By integrating native plants into shoreline zones, property owners can enjoy a thriving, low-maintenance landscape that benefits local ecosystems while protecting water quality and preventing erosion.

Planning Your Natural Shoreline Landscape

Designing a natural shoreline requires thoughtful planning to ensure the right plants are placed in the right conditions, while adhering to regulations that protect Michigan’s inland lakes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning your shoreline landscape, incorporating the required 6-foot no-mow zone mandated by Michigan EGLE regulations:

1. Assess Site Conditions

Begin by evaluating the unique conditions of your shoreline. Analyze the soil type, water levels, drainage patterns, and exposure to sunlight. Michigan’s inland lakes feature diverse conditions—clay soils might dominate areas like Traverse City, while sandy soils are more common in Grand Haven. Matching plants to these conditions ensures a thriving and low-maintenance shoreline.

2. Establish a 6-Foot No-Mow Zone

Michigan EGLE permits require a 6-foot no-mow buffer zone along the shoreline to reduce erosion, protect water quality, and encourage the growth of native vegetation. This zone serves as a critical first step in creating a healthy shoreline by allowing natural plant growth to stabilize the soil and filter runoff. Avoid mowing, planting turf grass, or disturbing this area, as it provides the foundation for a natural buffer.

3. Determine Shoreline Zones

Define your shoreline into three key zones:

• Aquatic Zone: Regularly submerged or saturated, this area requires plants that tolerate standing water and wave action.
• Transition Zone: Fluctuating between moist and dry, this buffer zone is essential for filtering runoff and controlling erosion.
• Upland Zone: Well-drained soils with minimal wave action, often the driest part of the shoreline.

Each zone has distinct conditions and requires specific native plants to thrive.

4. Select Native Plants

Focus on native species adapted to Michigan’s climate and soil types for each zone:

• Aquatic Zone: Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) or hard-stemmed bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus).
• Transition Zone: Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) or red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea).
• Upland Zone: Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) or wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

Use resources like the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership, local conservation organizations, or nurseries to identify plants that provide erosion control, water quality improvement, and habitat support.

5. Incorporate Best Management Practices

To stabilize high-energy areas, consider installing coir logs or brush bundles in the aquatic zone. These materials help secure the shoreline while native plants establish their root systems. In transition and upland zones, deep-rooted plants naturally stabilize soil and reduce runoff.

6. Plan for Maintenance

Minimize maintenance by allowing the no-mow zone to grow naturally and ensuring that native plants dominate the landscape. Regularly monitor for invasive species and remove them promptly to maintain a healthy ecosystem.

By adhering to EGLE’s 6-foot no-mow zone requirement and incorporating native plants, you can create a sustainable, beautiful, and functional shoreline landscape that supports Michigan’s natural ecosystems while protecting your property.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

Once your natural shoreline is planted, regular maintenance is necessary, but native vegetation generally requires less time and effort than non-native plants. Here are some best practices:

• Limit Mowing in the No Mow Zone: Mowing can damage native plants and disrupt the buffer zone. EGLE’s no mow zone requirement encourages native vegetation to develop naturally, supporting local wildlife and protecting against erosion.
• Manage Invasive Species: Regularly check for invasive species like phragmites, which can outcompete native plants. Consult local resources, like the Grand Traverse Bay Watershed Center or the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, for guidance.
• Avoid Chemical Pesticides: Native plants are adapted to Michigan’s conditions and typically do not require pesticides. Eliminating chemical use benefits water quality and protects local wildlife.
• Monitor Plant Health: Observe your plants throughout the growing season, and adjust care as needed based on site conditions and any emerging erosion problems.

More regionally relevant information available on our Michigan Native Plants hub page!

Why Is A No-Mow Zone Required for Some Lakeshore Projects?

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) requires a 6-foot no-mow zone or native planted buffer strip above seawalls along inland lakes to mitigate the environmental impacts associated with seawall construction and maintenance. This buffer zone serves several key purposes:

• Habitat Preservation: Seawalls can disrupt natural habitats for fish and other aquatic life. Implementing a no-mow zone or native planted buffer helps restore and maintain these habitats by providing shelter and breeding grounds for various species.
• Erosion Control: Native vegetation in the buffer zone stabilizes the soil, reducing erosion caused by wave action and runoff. The deep root systems of native plants help hold the soil together, preventing sediment from entering the water.
• Water Quality Improvement: The buffer zone acts as a natural filter, trapping pollutants and sediments before they reach the water body. This filtration process enhances water quality by reducing nutrient loading and preventing algal blooms.

EGLE’s guidelines specify that minimal breaks in the buffer strip are acceptable for exercising riparian rights, such as access points for docks or swimming areas. These measures align with the goals of organizations like the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association (MLSA) to preserve and expand natural shoreline features essential for healthy lake ecosystems now and for future generations.

By enforcing the 6-foot no-mow zone, EGLE aims to balance human use of shoreline areas with the need to protect and enhance Michigan’s aquatic environments.

Resources for Shoreline Planting

Michigan offers numerous resources to help property owners find native plants and learn about natural shoreline landscaping:

• Native Plant Nurseries: Many nurseries and garden centers in Michigan, such as those in northern Michigan and along the Grand Traverse Bay, specialize in native plant species suited for shoreline planting.
• Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership: This organization provides workshops, plant lists, and guidance for homeowners interested in sustainable shoreline practices.
• Local Experts and Volunteers: The MSU Extension, Wildflower Center volunteers, and staff members from local conservation districts can answer plant questions and offer step-by-step guidance on natural shoreline landscaping.

Enhance Your Shoreline, Control Erosion

Establishing a natural shoreline with Michigan native plants is a powerful way to control erosion, improve water quality, and enhance the natural beauty of lakeshore properties. By following EGLE’s no mow zone requirements and selecting plants suited to Michigan’s three shoreline zones, property owners can create a resilient and ecologically sound lakeshore. Whether you live in Traverse City, Ottawa County, or another Michigan lakeshore area, natural shoreline landscaping offers long-lasting benefits, supporting both environmental health and property enjoyment.

If you’re ready to transform your shoreline into a beautiful, erosion-resistant landscape that aligns with Michigan’s environmental guidelines, we’re here to help! For a fee of $50–$150, depending on the size of your property, we offer custom design services to create a natural shoreline or no mow zone that perfectly suits your style and supports local wildlife. Our designs ensure soil stability and adhere to the required 6-foot no mow zone, giving you a sustainable and visually pleasing shoreline. Reach out to us today to start planning your environmentally-friendly shoreline, tailored to your vision and the unique conditions of your property.