|
A buffer is an area of land between developed property and the lakeshore where
trees, shrubs and ground cover plants are allowed to become established, or are
manually vegetated with appropriate (preferably native) plants. The best or
ideal buffer for ecological and water quality value is a combination of tall
trees, shrubs, groundcover and duff.
Lawn grass alone cannot protect the lake and associated shoreline. Grass roots
are shallow and are unable to filter out sediment and NPS (non-point source also
know as storm water run-off) pollution during rainstorms. While a
well-maintained lawn may be a wonderful asset to your property, a buffer between
the lawn and the water’s edge is essential to remove the nutrients and slow down
the storm water runoff and absorb it before it reaches the lake! You can check
out your own property with LakeSmart, a free educational and evaluative program
of the DEP.
Components Of A Good Buffer
Trees
This upper canopy intercepts raindrops. By breaking the fall of these tiny
water bombs, soil erosion is reduced. Trees provide shoreline habitat for
wildlife, shade for your house and keep the water cool. Their deep roots take
hold of the soil, protecting it from erosion and slumping. Lower tree branches
can be trimmed for people who prefer to have an unobstructed view of the lake,
but more tree braches mean better lake protection!
Shrubs
The second obstacle raindrops hit on the way to the ground is shrubs. Shrubs
provide wind protection and birds love to take refuge in them. Their roots also
hold soil in place. Shrubs are a great noise barrier and are low growing so
they will not obstruct a view of the lake.
Groundcover
Vines, grass and flowers slow down surface water runoff and absorb nutrients and
other non-point source (storm water runoff) pollution. Their roots hold onto
surface sediments. Groundcovers that flower can create accents of color with a
variety of green backdrops. They also provide habitat for such insects as
butterflies and honeybees.
Duff Layer
Allow vegetation and woody materials to stay where it falls. Accumulation of
plant matter on the ground acts like a sponge, absorbs water, traps sediment and
prevents erosion. Duff hosts microorganisms that improve soil by breaking down
and recycling plant material into nutrients to be used in the growth on new
plants.
Information provided by Lake A Syst: A publication of the University of Maine
Cooperative Extension LakeSmart Program
|
