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

Protect

Prevent Disturbances

Plant Native Species: Live Plants: Recommended Actions

Use of a sod-cutter

Sod-cutters avoid the use of chemicals but are labor intensive. Blade depth should be set deep to cut all grass roots. Be especially careful around tree roots. This usually creates a nearly weed-free surface.

Keep in mind, though, that this area will be lower than the surrounding lawn and you may want to bring in extra topsoil to level. Clean, sandy loam topsoil is best; avoid peat, clay or heavy loam-based soil. Make sure the topsoil is not contaminated with weed seeds.

Either compost the cut sod or use it to patch open areas in the lawn. Erosion damage is a possible problem. Use an erosion-control blanket or mulch immediately after removing the sod.