Shade and lower water temperature is also important for wildlife and stock, and can reduce algae growth which is promoted by sunlight. Water use by vegetation growing at a dam edge is usually not significant, and can also be minimised by planting or maintaining vegetation slightly away from the dam edge. Plant trees at a distance from the dam edge equal to the height of the mature tree, or at twice the mature height for trees with very wide crowns. In addition, selection of small to medium slow-growing native species will limit water consumption. To protect water quality, do not place trees where stock will be encouraged to camp upslope from the edge of the dam.
Native vegetation can also protect dams from winds.
If a dam is open and wide, wind can build up and generate substantial waves, and can cause erosion along the retaining wall and may even destroy it. Wave action can be reduced by strategic placement of islands and vegetation. Underwater ridges can be constructed just under the dam surface, and planted with aquatic vegetation to form a wind or wave break. Taller reeds and sedges will help break wind momentum across the dam surface. The selection and propagation of suitable aquatic plants can be difficult.