Riparian Buffer & Marsh Management

Native Grasses Low maintenance, salt-tolerant native plants were included in the planted riparian buffer at Yorktown, VA.

Riparian Buffer Enhancement A sloped lawn on the York River was planted with salt and wind-tolerant trees and shrubs at VIMS.

Pruning Overhanging tree branches can increase the amount of sunlight for tidal marsh growth; it also decreases the weight-bearing load that may cause trees to fall over.

Tidal Debris Storm debris, dead vegetation and other “wrack” that smothers tidal marsh vegetation should be removed at least once a year in early spring.

Dune Enhancement Saltmeadow hay (Spartina patens) planted next to natural beach vegetation increases the area covered and the level of erosion protection.

Dune Fence Sand fences can be used for temporary control of recreation access, which encourages better dune vegetation growth.

Minor erosion can be reduced by simply improving the vegetation cover that already exists in the upland, on the shoreline bank, and in tidal wetland and dune areas. Enhancing the vegetation cover in all shoreline habitats creates an integrated vegetation buffer. Periodic inspections and routine maintenance helps keep this living erosion buffer healthy and resilient for storm recovery.

Suitable Sites

Very minor erosion
Natural shorelines with existing, wide riparian forests, tidal marshes and/or sand beaches
Where stormwater runoff over the top of bank is a primary cause of erosion
Where occasional storm waves cause erosion above existing revetments and bulkheads

Guidelines for Vegetation Management

Upland Bank and Riparian Buffer

Do not mow frequently close to the shoreline; replace waterfront lawn with deep-rooted ornamental grasses, shrubs and small trees
Prune tree branches with weight bearing load over the water
Selectively remove dead, dying and severely leaning trees (seek advice from professional arborist)
Add new trees, shrubs and ground cover; choose native upland species similar to existing native plant community
Control invasive upland species introduced by previous clearing
Intercept or re-direct stormwater runoff that interferes with plant growth

Tidal Marsh

Remove tidal debris periodically
Replace wetland plants in storm damaged areas if natural recovery does not occur
Limit foot traffic and recreation access through marsh vegetation

Beach and Dune

Limit foot traffic through beach and dune vegetation with designated access points and open-pile boardwalks
Add new dune plants to increase the area covered by vegetation
Use sand fences to limit access and encourage plant growth