Site preparation is a critical step in establishing native plants along your streambank or reservoir shoreline. Naturally, the approach you take will depend on the existing conditions on your property. This fact

sheet provides suggestions for three types of existing conditions: pastures, lawns, or fields; early successional forests; and mature forests.Pastures, Lawns, or FieldsIf your property is a pasture, lawn, or field,the success of your waterfront landscapingwill depend on controlling the existinggrasses. If not managed, these grasses willcompete for nutrients and water with yourplantings. Two methods of grass control areselective mowing and herbicide application.The use of sod cutters or tilling should beavoided on streambanks and shorelines asthese techniques can result in erosion oraccelerate the spreading of the plant youare trying to eliminate.In selective mowing, mow the area to belandscaped as short as possible. Aftermowing, plant your trees and shrubs andremove at least a 2-foot circle of grass fromaround each plant. Applying mulch aroundyour plants will help control the growth of unwanted species and minimize maintenance. This approachrequires occasional mowing and weeding for several years. As trees and shrubs mature, the canopy willclose and shade out the grasses and understory vegetation that require full sun. Shade-tolerant understoryplants like flowering dogwood and wildflowers can then be planted to complete your project. Leaving theleaves on the ground in the fall will improve soil conditions and decrease the mowing area.The use of herbicides is another method of grass control that effectively kills most grass species. Consultyour nursery, garden center, or agricultural extension agent for information about products and methodssuited for your specific situation. Always use extreme caution when handling and applying herbicides.Follow the label directions exactly and keep in mind that more is not better. Many herbicides are notapproved for use near water because they can harm aquatic life. Be sure to protect any desirable plants,as some herbicides will kill most any plant they contact. The dead turf should be left in place since it willhelp prevent erosion and provide organic matter as it breaks down. Plant your trees and shrubs throughthe dead turf. Herbicides may need to be applied seasonally to completely kill competing species andreduce maintenance.

 important step is to

d way to protect water

ome plants, it helps to

No. 9 in Riparian Restoration Fact Sheets Series

ur local Watershed Team
rs from disturbances such

wed. Eventually, the plant

isturbance. This process

 of succession, grasses,

lant community may also

ess in establishing your

succession proceeds, trees

stablished.

robably contain desirable

m, and preserving them

o identify, mark, and

ion strategy.

 from the stump. An

essary to eliminate these

while your new plantings

Using a weed removal tool (like the one shown in the photo below) is a method of extracting shrubs andsmall trees that minimizes soil disturbance. Tractors or other power equipment can be used to pull vines,shrubs, or small trees out of the ground. However, using heavy equipment is likely to cause extensiveground disturbance and lead to erosion problems.You may have questions about whetherherbicides or mechanical methods wouldwork best in controlling undesirable plants.Your local nursery, garden center, or agricultural extension agent can provide informationabout products and methods suited for yourspecific situation.
rs from disturbances such

wed. Eventually, the plant

isturbance. This process

 of succession, grasses,

lant community may also

ess in establishing your

succession proceeds, trees

stablished.

robably contain desirable

m, and preserving them

o identify, mark, and

ion strategy.

 from the stump. An

essary to eliminate these

while your new plantings

Using a weed removal tool (like the one shown in the photo below) is a method of extracting shrubs andsmall trees that minimizes soil disturbance. Tractors or other power equipment can be used to pull vines,shrubs, or small trees out of the ground. However, using heavy equipment is likely to cause extensiveground disturbance and lead to erosion problems.You may have questions about whetherherbicides or mechanical methods wouldwork best in controlling undesirable plants.Your local nursery, garden center, or agricultural extension agent can provide informationabout products and methods suited for yourspecific situation.
Site preparation is a critical step in establishing native plants along your streambank or reservoir shoreline. Naturally, the approach you take will depend on the existing conditions on your property. This fact

sheet provides suggestions for three types of existing conditions: pastures, lawns, or fields; early successional forests; and mature forests.Pastures, Lawns, or FieldsIf your property is a pasture, lawn, or field,the success of your waterfront landscapingwill depend on controlling the existinggrasses. If not managed, these grasses willcompete for nutrients and water with yourplantings. Two methods of grass control areselective mowing and herbicide application.The use of sod cutters or tilling should beavoided on streambanks and shorelines asthese techniques can result in erosion oraccelerate the spreading of the plant youare trying to eliminate.In selective mowing, mow the area to belandscaped as short as possible. Aftermowing, plant your trees and shrubs andremove at least a 2-foot circle of grass fromaround each plant. Applying mulch aroundyour plants will help control the growth of unwanted species and minimize maintenance. This approachrequires occasional mowing and weeding for several years. As trees and shrubs mature, the canopy willclose and shade out the grasses and understory vegetation that require full sun. Shade-tolerant understoryplants like flowering dogwood and wildflowers can then be planted to complete your project. Leaving theleaves on the ground in the fall will improve soil conditions and decrease the mowing area.The use of herbicides is another method of grass control that effectively kills most grass species. Consultyour nursery, garden center, or agricultural extension agent for information about products and methodssuited for your specific situation. Always use extreme caution when handling and applying herbicides.Follow the label directions exactly and keep in mind that more is not better. Many herbicides are notapproved for use near water because they can harm aquatic life. Be sure to protect any desirable plants,as some herbicides will kill most any plant they contact. The dead turf should be left in place since it willhelp prevent erosion and provide organic matter as it breaks down. Plant your trees and shrubs throughthe dead turf. Herbicides may need to be applied seasonally to completely kill competing species andreduce maintenance.

 important step is to

d way to protect water

ome plants, it helps to

No. 9 in Riparian Restoration Fact Sheets Series

ur local Watershed Team