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Introduction
Reading Your Shoreline
Identifying Your Objectives
Designing Your Shoreline
Implementing Your Project

Protect

Prevent Disturbances
Plant Native Species

Plant Native Species: Live Plants: Recommended Actions

Eliminate Turf

The next step is to eliminate turf. This will give you more control over the design of the planting area and will help limit weeding problems.

Many shoreland owners are reluctant to use chemicals to eliminate turf and to maintain their landscapes.

They are uncomfortable exposing their families, neighbors, pets and other creatures to potentially harmful side effects, and don't want to risk having these chemicals enter the water.

Alternatives to using chemicals to kill sod include:
  • removing the sod with a sod cutter or shovel
  • covering the area with sheets of plastic or other material
  • planting plugs directly into the existing turf.
One of the benefits of growing native plants is that they are not dependent on fertilizers, herbicides, or chemicals. Some shoreland owners feel that the temporary use of chemicals to restore their property to a permanent "drug-free" condition is worth the potential risk.