Are waves, wakes, or ice nibbling at your lawn? Or maybe you want a cleaner, more natural water’s edge that still looks beautiful from the deck. If you own waterfront in Grand Traverse County, native shoreline landscaping can protect what you love while keeping you on the right side of Michigan’s rules. In this guide, you’ll learn what to plant where, when permits apply, and who can help locally. Let’s dive in.
Why native shorelines work here
Natural shoreline plantings slow erosion, trap sediment and nutrients before they reach the water, reduce turbidity, and create fish and wildlife habitat that turf cannot match. State experts consider vegetated and bioengineered approaches preferred for many sites where they are feasible. You can read the state’s overview of these benefits in the guidance on shoreline protection from EGLE Water Resources.
Native plants are adapted to local soils, cold winters, and wave energy. Their deep, interlocking roots stabilize banks better than turfgrass and help your shoreline recover after storms.
Know your rules and permits
- Understand the Ordinary High Water Mark. Work at or below the OHWM is regulated and often requires a permit. Start with EGLE’s page on identifying the OHWM and the Joint Permit Application process for projects that may involve both state and federal review. See EGLE’s OHWM guidance and permit portal.
- Expect a preference for natural solutions. EGLE discourages new vertical seawalls where alternatives can work and often streamlines permits for projects that follow best practices. Discuss your options with staff before you apply.
- Match your design to site energy. Use the Inland Lake Shoreline Energy Assessment tool to gauge wave energy and whether soft techniques are likely to succeed. Learn more in EGLE’s overview of the shoreline energy assessment tool.
- Check local zoning. Townships and cities may have setbacks, shoreland protection strips, or bluff rules that interact with state permitting. Confirm details with local planning staff early.
Plan your project right
Map your site
Before you buy a single plant, walk your shoreline and note:
- Slope, soil type, sunlight, and wet spots
- Wave exposure, boat wakes, and any ice push
- Existing vegetation and any erosion hotspots
- The likely OHWM and access needs for docks or paths
Choose plants by zone
Pick species that match moisture, sun, and wave conditions. MSU Extension’s shoreline plant guidance is a great reference for zones and choices. Review zone-by-zone ideas in MSU’s Smart Waterfront Plants.
- Aquatic/emergent at the waterline:
- Pickerelweed, hard-stem bulrush, blue flag iris
- Transition zone that handles flooding and ice:
- Red-osier dogwood, sandbar willow, buttonbush, swamp milkweed, marsh marigold
- Above OHWM with wet to seasonally saturated soils:
- Winterberry, highbush cranberry, Joe-Pye weed, great blue lobelia
- Upland/backshore for drier areas:
- Little bluestem, switchgrass, wild bergamot, serviceberry, native pines and hardwoods where appropriate
Planting density and timing
- A simple rule of thumb is about 1 plug per square foot for emergent and herbaceous plants. Go denser for faster coverage.
- Trees and shrubs work well in clumps or staggered rows to create stability and habitat.
- Best windows in northern Michigan are spring after frost or early fall so roots establish before winter. Prepare the site, limit disturbance, and use nursery-grown plugs or potted stock. MSU outlines smart planning steps in a seasonal guide to shoreline project planning.
Design for stability and views
Soft-engineering tools
Where wave energy is moderate, living-shoreline methods help plants take hold and protect the toe of the bank. Consider:
- Live staking with willow or dogwood
- Coir fiber logs for toe protection while roots establish
- Brush or branch mattresses on gentle slopes
- Strategically placed native stone in small toe revetments for hybrid designs
Access without losing buffer
You can keep your dock and a view without sacrificing function. Most designs include a defined access path and allow minimal breaks in planted buffers. In some permit categories, mitigation options refer to a minimum planted or no-mow buffer above hard edges. See a plain-language summary of minor-permit practices from the Michigan Lakes and Streams Association’s overview of EGLE’s minor project guidance.
Maintain and protect
Invasive watchlist
Early detection keeps a natural shoreline healthy. Watch for invasive Phragmites, European frog-bit, purple loosestrife, and invasive aquatic plants like Eurasian watermilfoil. Michigan’s invasive species program lists identification tips and reporting steps at the state invasive species resource. Replant bare spots quickly with native species after removals.
Rare plants to respect
Some Grand Traverse shorelines include rare seeps and springs that host protected species like the Michigan monkeyflower. If you suspect rare plants on your site, contact the appropriate agencies before major work. Learn more about this species from Michigan Natural Features Inventory.
Local help in Grand Traverse
- Grand Traverse Conservation District. Find Michigan-grown native stock, shoreline kits, and local advice through the Boardman River Nature Center. Explore current offerings at the GTCD native plant sale.
- Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. Regional guidance, site visits, and restoration support for Northern Michigan lakes. See their shoreline and streambank resources at the Watershed Council.
- Statewide references. MSU Extension and the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership publish plant lists, design primers, and how-to guides. Use them to refine species choices and layouts.
Quick-start checklist
- Walk your site to map slope, soils, sun, and erosion.
- Identify the OHWM and discuss permit needs with EGLE before you order materials.
- Match species to your shoreline zones and wave energy.
- Plan for about 1 plug per square foot in emergent areas.
- Install in spring or early fall and protect the toe with coir logs or similar.
- Keep a defined access path and maintain the rest as a no-mow buffer.
- Monitor for invasives and replant any bare patches promptly.
Ready to buy or sell a Grand Traverse waterfront home and want a shoreline plan that looks great and respects the water? Reach out to Craig Real Estate for local guidance, trusted referrals, and a smooth path to your next move.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to plant a natural shoreline in Michigan?
- Planting native trees and shrubs above the Ordinary High Water Mark without grading is often exempt, but work at or below the OHWM or adding structural elements typically requires EGLE permits. Check your site specifics with EGLE first.
How wide should my shoreline buffer be for water quality?
- A practical target is to keep about 75 percent of your frontage in natural vegetation and extend the buffer at least 20 feet landward, adjusted for slope and soils. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council shares these regional recommendations.
What native plants work on Grand Traverse lake edges?
- Use zone-based mixes. At the waterline, try bulrush, pickerelweed, and blue flag iris. On the bank, red-osier dogwood, sandbar willow, and buttonbush shine. Above the OHWM, winterberry, highbush cranberry, and Joe-Pye weed perform well, with grasses and serviceberry in uplands.
Can I keep a view corridor through a planted buffer?
- Yes. Most designs include a defined path to the dock or beach and small, intentional breaks in vegetation, while the rest remains a planted or no-mow buffer.
Who can help me source plants and plan a project locally?
- The Grand Traverse Conservation District offers native plant sales and shoreline kits, and regional groups provide site visits and design guidance. Local contractors experienced in bioengineering can install plantings after you confirm permit needs.
