erosion control on lake Champlain - Ask Extension
I live directly on the lake and would like to know what kinds of plantings I can use to help decrease erosion on our waterfront. Our next door neighbo...
Knowledgebase
erosion control on lake Champlain #864860
Asked April 17, 2024, 12:30 PM EDT
I live directly on the lake and would like to know what kinds of plantings I can use to help decrease erosion on our waterfront. Our next door neighbor has "vetch" planted on her waterfront. I don't know exactly what that is or how it is planted, or if it is the best solution. We would appreciate any advice we can get from the experts! Thanks.
Grand Isle County Vermont
Expert Response
Hi, Patty. Thanks for reaching out to the Helpline. You have a great opportunity to landscape with a diverse range of native plants, to decrease erosion and run-off into the lake while providing habitat for important wildlife and pollinators!
Regarding "vetch", I'm assuming your neighbor has planted purple crown vetch. This has been widely used for erosion control. However, it is not native, and it spreads aggressively. According to the Minnesota department of agriculture and others, "crown vetch overtakes and suppresses other vegetation, reducing species diversity and wildlife habitat." It is considered invasive, or even illegal, in many states, including Connecticut. Please don't plant it here!
What to plant instead? There are many options using native plants. It depends on what kind of landscaping you want - ground cover, perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, wildflowers - as well as your specific location and needs - facing which direction, sunny or shady, low maintenance, etc. This info sheet is a good place to start: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/documents/LakeWiseInfoSheet_RestoreNaturalPlantCommunities.pdf . And this additional info sheet goes into detail about creating a buffer zone, including how and when to plant: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/documents/LakeWiseInfoSheet_LakeshoreBuffers.pdf
The UVM Extension Resources website has a wealth of information for you. Check under the "Native Plants" Section. There is also info about rain gardens, which help prevent runoff into the lake - Rain Garden Manual. And this book, Landscape Plants for Vermont , might be very helpful. (And sales of it support the Master Gardener program!)
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have more questions (or if any of the links don't work!)
Regarding "vetch", I'm assuming your neighbor has planted purple crown vetch. This has been widely used for erosion control. However, it is not native, and it spreads aggressively. According to the Minnesota department of agriculture and others, "crown vetch overtakes and suppresses other vegetation, reducing species diversity and wildlife habitat." It is considered invasive, or even illegal, in many states, including Connecticut. Please don't plant it here!
What to plant instead? There are many options using native plants. It depends on what kind of landscaping you want - ground cover, perennial flowers, shrubs, trees, wildflowers - as well as your specific location and needs - facing which direction, sunny or shady, low maintenance, etc. This info sheet is a good place to start: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/documents/LakeWiseInfoSheet_RestoreNaturalPlantCommunities.pdf . And this additional info sheet goes into detail about creating a buffer zone, including how and when to plant: https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/documents/LakeWiseInfoSheet_LakeshoreBuffers.pdf
The UVM Extension Resources website has a wealth of information for you. Check under the "Native Plants" Section. There is also info about rain gardens, which help prevent runoff into the lake - Rain Garden Manual. And this book, Landscape Plants for Vermont , might be very helpful. (And sales of it support the Master Gardener program!)
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you have more questions (or if any of the links don't work!)
