Shoreline erosion is a pressing issue in Maryland, with 70% of its 7,000 miles of coastline affected. Each year, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic waters claim about 580 acres of land. For homeowners, this means property damage, reduced land value, and environmental degradation. Fortunately, living shorelines – using native plants to stabilize waterfronts – offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution compared to hard structures like seawalls.

Key Takeaways:

• Living shorelines absorb up to 50% of wave energy, cost $150–$500 per foot (vs. $500–$1,200 for hard structures), and require less maintenance over time.
• Native plants like switchgrass, big bluestem, and eastern gamagrass provide strong root systems to combat erosion while improving water quality and supporting wildlife.
• Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area has strict regulations; permits are required for shoreline projects within 1,000 feet of tidal waters.
• Site preparation involves removing invasive species, improving soil, and installing erosion controls like coir logs.

Act now to protect your property and Maryland’s coastline. This guide covers everything from assessing your shoreline to selecting plants and maintaining your living shoreline.

Best Plants for Erosion Control | How to Protect Your Landscape with Native Plants 🌿

Shoreline Erosion in Maryland

Maryland’s extensive geography makes it particularly vulnerable to shoreline erosion. With 6,776 miles of shoreline along the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, the state faces unique challenges compared to open ocean coastlines ^[5]. These challenges demand tailored approaches to protect the shoreline. Let’s take a closer look at the causes and consequences of this ongoing issue.

What Causes Shoreline Erosion

One of the main culprits behind Maryland’s shoreline erosion is wave action. Everyday winds generate waves that gradually wear away the shoreline. When storms strike, the damage can be catastrophic – Hurricane Isabel alone caused $84 million in damage to shoreline structures ^[2]. Unlike open ocean coastlines, the Chesapeake Bay’s sheltered waters don’t naturally recover after such events, leaving the shoreline more vulnerable over time ^[5].

Other factors also contribute to the problem. Boat wakes, rising sea levels, and daily tidal activity amplify the effects of wave impact and alter the shoreline’s natural contours ^{[2] [5]}.

"Shoreline change occurs, not just at the line of contact between land and water, but within a broader zone that extends for some distance both offshore and onshore." – Maryland Geological Survey ^[5]

In some cases, erosion extends below the surface, with underwater damage reaching depths of up to 8 feet. This hidden erosion can destabilize structures and vegetation that appear secure ^[5].

How Erosion Affects Property and Environment

The impacts of erosion are far-reaching, threatening both private property and the environment. On the Western Shore of the Chesapeake Bay, erosion claims about 137 acres of land annually, with an average shoreline retreat of 0.52 feet per year ^[5]. For homeowners, this steady loss translates to diminished property value and the gradual disappearance of valuable waterfront land.

Erosion also undermines the foundations of homes and destabilizes waterfront structures. Across the Bay and Atlantic waters, an estimated 580 acres are lost each year, resulting in millions of dollars in property losses ^[2]. About 65% of Maryland’s shoreline experiences low to moderate erosion, with rates ranging from 0 to 4 feet per year. While these losses may seem small on an annual basis, they add up significantly over time.

The environmental toll is equally concerning. Each year, approximately 2.0 million metric tonnes of sediment erode from the fastland bordering the Chesapeake Bay ^[5]. This sediment clouds the water, disrupting aquatic ecosystems and harming organisms like benthic creatures, which form the foundation of the Bay’s food web ^[6].

To combat these effects, many homeowners turn to hard armoring solutions like seawalls and riprap. By 2016, 18% of the Chesapeake Bay shoreline had been armored, with counties like Anne Arundel and Baltimore seeing as much as 40% of their shorelines fortified ^[7]. However, these measures come with trade-offs. Structures like bulkheads and seawalls reflect wave energy, which can erode nearby unprotected areas and destroy vegetation, further reducing habitats for fish and wildlife ^[7].

The loss of natural shoreline vegetation also impacts water quality. Vegetation plays a critical role in filtering runoff and removing pollutants before they enter the Bay. When these natural buffers are lost, water quality suffers, affecting the broader ecosystem.

Erosion doesn’t just affect individual property owners – it ripples through entire communities. Severe shoreline loss can lead to significant declines in property values. As Donna Bilkovic, a marine ecologist at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science Center for Coastal Resources Management, points out:

"There’s a lot of work to do to convince people that living shorelines are providing comparable protection as armoring." ^[7]

Living shorelines, which use natural elements like plants and sand to stabilize the coast, offer a promising alternative. They not only protect against erosion but also improve water quality and provide critical habitats for wildlife ^[8]. These interconnected benefits highlight the importance of adopting resilient shoreline solutions.

Evaluating and Preparing Your Shoreline

Understanding your shoreline’s current condition is the first step toward effective planning and planting, especially along Maryland’s extensive and eroding coastlines ^[9]. A detailed assessment will help you choose the right plants and determine the work needed to prepare your property.

How to Assess Your Site

Start by walking your shoreline during various weather conditions and tidal stages. Keep an eye out for clear signs of erosion – like land being stripped away, submerged areas, or places where the coastline has moved inland. Also, take note of any risks to nearby structures or valuable waterfront property ^[2]. These observations will help you pinpoint the areas that need the most attention.

Pay attention to details like sparse vegetation, uneven slopes, and soil type. Fetch – the distance wind travels over water – and shoreline orientation are also critical factors. Longer fetch distances mean stronger wave action, while the direction your shoreline faces can determine which winds are causing the most erosion.

Take notes on soil conditions. Sandy soils drain quickly but may lack nutrients, while clay soils retain moisture and nutrients but can become waterlogged. Look for areas that stay soggy after rain versus those that dry out quickly – this will help guide your plant choices.

Permits and Regulations

If your property falls within Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area (within 1,000 feet of tidal waters or wetlands), you’ll need to navigate some strict regulations. Any activity that disturbs soil or vegetation in this area requires approval. According to the Anne Arundel County Department of Inspections and Permits, “All trees of any size, as well as shrubs and vines, are considered habitat in the Critical Area and are subject to the Critical Area law requirements.” This means you’ll need an approved Vegetation Management Plan before removing any vegetation, including dead or damaged trees.

If your project involves the 100-foot Critical Area Buffer, you’ll also need a Buffer Management Plan. Be sure to consult the Forester in the Compliance Division of Inspections and Permits before cutting any trees. Depending on your project’s scope, you may also need a County Grading or Building Permit, which you can apply for through the Anne Arundel Department of Inspections & Permits online Land Use Navigation (LUN) System ^[4]. Once your permits are in place, you can begin stabilizing your site.

Site Preparation Steps

With your assessment complete and permits secured, it’s time to prepare your site for planting. Start by removing invasive species like purple loosestrife or Phragmites, as outlined in your vegetation management plan. These plants can outcompete native species, so clearing them is essential.

In areas with severe erosion, you might need to grade the land or stabilize the soil. Create gentle slopes to reduce erosion and support plant growth. On steep banks, consider adding terraces or temporary erosion controls like fiber coir logs to hold the soil in place until plants establish strong roots.

Improving soil quality can make a big difference. Adding organic matter like compost can help sandy soils retain moisture and improve drainage in clay soils. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as excess nutrients can lead to runoff and pollute nearby waterways.

You may also want to incorporate natural shoreline elements into your preparation. Features like fiber coir logs, sills, groins, breakwaters, sand, and marsh plantings can help create shallow water habitats, improve water quality, and reduce wave energy. These elements often require professional installation and expertise in environmental planning ^[10].

Lastly, install sediment and erosion control measures to protect your site while your plants take root. Tools like silt fencing can prevent soil loss during heavy rains or storms. This is also the perfect time to plan for irrigation and maintenance access, ensuring you can water, weed, and monitor your plants without causing further damage. Proper preparation is key to creating a stable, thriving shoreline.

Selecting Native Plants for Shoreline Stabilization

Once you’ve assessed and prepared your site, the next step is choosing the right native plants to ensure long-term shoreline stability. Native plants are an excellent choice for stabilizing Maryland shorelines because they are perfectly adapted to the region’s climate, soil, and seasonal changes. These plants not only help prevent erosion but also support the local ecosystem.

Best Native Plant Species

Native grasses are a cornerstone of shoreline stabilization thanks to their deep, fibrous root systems. For instance, switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a versatile option, thriving in various soil types and growing 3–7 feet tall in full or partial sunlight.

In drier areas, Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) forms tall stands of 5–7 feet under full sun, while Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) offers a more compact alternative, reaching 2–4 feet. Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans) grows well in dry to moderately wet soils, standing 4–6 feet tall, and Broomsedge Bluestem (Andropogon virginicus) thrives in low-fertility soils, reaching 2–4 feet. For consistently moist and fertile sites, Eastern Gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides) can grow up to 6–8 feet, offering excellent erosion control.

Planting Zones and Plant Requirements

Maryland’s varied landscapes – from the flat Coastal Plain to the rugged Blue Ridge – mean you’ll need to match plants to specific moisture and light conditions. Shorelines can be divided into zones based on water exposure and soil moisture:

• Tidal marsh zones: These areas experience regular flooding and require plants that can tolerate saturated soils.
• Storm-flooded zones: These flood occasionally during storms, allowing for a wider range of plant options.
• Upland zones: Rarely flooded but prone to runoff, these areas are best suited for plants that thrive in drier conditions.

By understanding the unique conditions of each zone, you can select the most suitable plant species for your shoreline.

Comparing Native Plant Options

These details can help you make informed decisions about which plants to use. As you continue planning, you might also consider other categories like native perennials, trees, shrubs, ferns, or climbers. Tools and filters based on local growing conditions and plant characteristics can further refine your choices ^[11].

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Planting and Maintaining Your Shoreline

With your site assessment complete and native plants selected, it’s time to focus on planting methods and care strategies to bring your shoreline restoration plan to life. Shoreline stabilization isn’t just about planting – it’s about consistent care to handle the unique challenges of Maryland’s coastal environment. A thoughtful approach ensures your shoreline thrives for years to come.

Planting Methods for Maryland Conditions

Maryland’s coastal areas demand an approach tailored to their specific conditions. Living shorelines, which combine native plants with features like rock sills, can reduce wave energy while promoting strong root systems ^[8]. As Scott Hardaway from the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences explains:

"Some sites are better suited to living shorelines than others." ^[8]

This means your planting strategy needs to align with your site’s unique characteristics. For instance, adjusting the beach slope can create a broader planting area, giving plants a chance to establish strong roots before they’re fully exposed to waves.

In tidal zones, prioritize salt-tolerant plants, while reserving upland areas for species that don’t tolerate salt as well. For areas experiencing regular wave action, coir logs – biodegradable barriers placed along the waterline – can provide temporary erosion control while your plants develop their root systems. These methods help lay the groundwork for a stable and thriving shoreline.

Protecting New Plantings

The first year is critical for new plantings, as they’re most vulnerable during this time. After storms, check for debris that could damage young plants and remove it promptly. If materials like coir logs or other structural elements shift, realign them as needed. For heavier materials, consider reaching out to professionals for assistance ^[12].

These early efforts will protect your shoreline as it begins to take root and grow.

Long-term Maintenance Tips

Once your living shoreline is established, maintenance becomes simpler, but regular monitoring remains essential. Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz highlights the importance of these projects:

"Living shorelines are vital for coastal communities grappling with the short- and long-term challenges of climate change and associated erosion… Projects such as these demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions and provide lasting environmental benefits for every Marylander." ^[13]

Inspect your shoreline twice a year – once in early spring before growth begins and again in late fall after the growing season ends. Watch for signs like vegetation dieback, erosion undermining root systems, or shifted structural components. Address these issues promptly to maintain the integrity of your shoreline.

If plants fail, replace them with the same or similar native species, ideally during spring when establishment rates are higher. As conditions evolve, you may need to introduce more salt-tolerant plants or reinforce structures to handle increased wave activity.

Debris management is another crucial task. Regularly clearing debris prevents it from smothering plants or altering erosion patterns. Keep an eye on the overall health of your shoreline ecosystem – look for signs like denser plant growth, natural seed dispersal to nearby areas, and increased activity from local wildlife. These indicators show that your restoration is working as intended and providing the environmental benefits your shoreline needs.

Bioengineering and Professional Support

Tackling more challenging shoreline conditions often calls for a mix of engineering expertise and natural solutions. Bioengineering provides Maryland homeowners with methods that work alongside nature to create stronger, longer-lasting shoreline protection. These techniques naturally blend with the native planting strategies mentioned earlier.

Bioengineering Methods

Bioengineering relies on living plants and natural materials to stabilize shorelines, offering an eco-conscious alternative to traditional hard structures. These methods are particularly effective in Maryland’s diverse coastal areas.

• Live staking: This technique involves planting dormant cuttings directly into the soil along the shoreline. Plants like willow and dogwood grow roots and shoots, forming a living barrier over time. It’s especially useful in areas with moderate wave action, providing immediate stability while vegetation establishes itself.
• Brush mattresses: Bundled branches and twigs create a biodegradable layer over exposed soil. These mats slow water flow, trap sediment, and provide a foundation for native plants to grow. Over time, the decomposing material enriches the soil, making this approach ideal for steep slopes.
• Biodegradable reinforcements: Materials like jute netting and coconut fiber blankets offer temporary erosion control. They give plants time to develop strong root systems and naturally break down after a few years, eliminating the need for removal.
• Brush bundles (fascines): This method ties native shrub branches along the shoreline to reduce wave energy and encourage sediment buildup. The resulting environment supports the growth of native grasses and other vegetation.

For areas where natural methods might not be enough, professional expertise becomes essential.

When to Hire a Professional

Professional help is critical for high-energy shorelines exposed to heavy wave action or strong currents. These environments require precise evaluations of wave energy, soil conditions, and tidal patterns to determine the best bioengineering techniques and structural reinforcements.

Consider hiring experts when the complexity of bioengineering exceeds basic installation skills or when projects demand structural integration. Such projects often involve obtaining permits, conducting detailed site analyses, and working with local environmental agencies. Professionals are particularly valuable when previous erosion control efforts have failed, as they can identify the issues and develop more effective strategies.

Experts bring the knowledge needed to assess existing conditions, including soil properties, local plant species, storm runoff, and wetlands restoration. They also ensure that critical factors like property boundaries, utility locations, environmental restrictions, and long-term maintenance needs are addressed thoroughly.

Pro Landscapes MD‘s Shoreline Planting Services

Pro Landscapes MD combines a deep understanding of horticulture with engineering expertise to tackle Maryland’s shoreline challenges. Building on the native planting strategies discussed earlier, they use advanced techniques to strengthen shorelines while maintaining their natural beauty.

Their team knows which native plants thrive in Maryland’s coastal environments and how to establish them effectively. This includes selecting species with the right salt tolerance and strong root systems to withstand shoreline conditions. Their experience in landscape design and restoration naturally extends to shoreline projects, ensuring a seamless approach.

Pro Landscapes MD also excels in managing drainage and stormwater. By using methods like grading and installing French drains, they control water flow along shorelines, addressing erosion caused by surface runoff and groundwater seepage.

Their hardscaping expertise, including retaining walls and natural stone installations, complements their shoreline work by providing structural support where needed. And with a focus on eco-friendly practices, their approach aligns perfectly with the goals of shoreline restoration.

Serving communities across central Maryland – Howard, Montgomery, Carroll, Frederick, Prince George’s, and Baltimore Counties – Pro Landscapes MD brings local knowledge and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements to every project. Their dedication to quality shines through in client feedback, with one customer sharing:

"They came through with everything promised."

This level of reliability and attention to detail is key to successful shoreline restoration projects.

Conclusion: Protecting Maryland’s Shorelines

Maryland’s shoreline is under constant threat, with erosion posing risks to both private properties and the delicate ecosystems that define the state’s extensive coastline.

A nature-based solution offers a powerful response to this challenge. Living shorelines, for example, work alongside natural processes, absorbing nearly half of incoming wave energy and reducing wakes within the first ten feet of marsh vegetation ^[2][1]. But their benefits go far beyond erosion control. These shorelines provide critical habitats for fish and wildlife, filter runoff to improve water quality, and even capture carbon in coastal wetlands ^[3].

From a financial perspective, living shorelines are a smart choice. They cost between $150 and $500 per foot, significantly less than the $500 to $1,200 per foot required for hard structures like bulkheads or seawalls ^[1]. Maryland’s commitment to this approach is evident – since 1971, state loan programs have helped protect over 200,000 linear feet of shoreline and created more than 3.7 million square feet of marshland ^[2]. Clearly, these methods are effective on a large scale.

"Living shorelines are both beautiful and practical", notes NOAA ^[3].

Beyond their functionality, living shorelines bring together environmental, economic, and aesthetic benefits. They aren’t just an investment in your property – they’re a commitment to preserving Maryland’s coastal ecosystems.

The state actively supports these efforts through grants, loans, and cost-sharing programs ^[1][2]. Whether you’re tackling moderate wave action or more challenging conditions that require bioengineering, the key is to act quickly – erosion only gets worse over time. For high-energy shorelines or steep slopes, professional expertise is invaluable. Experts ensure your project meets all regulations while enhancing Maryland’s natural environment.

FAQs

Why are native plants better for shoreline protection than seawalls?

Native plants are a smart option for protecting shorelines because their deep root systems naturally hold the soil together, helping to prevent erosion while also supporting local wildlife. Unlike seawalls, which can harm habitats and reduce biodiversity, native plants encourage a vibrant environment where wildlife can thrive, leading to a healthier, more balanced shoreline.

Beyond erosion control, these plants play a key role in filtering out pollutants, trapping sediment, and improving water quality. Opting for native vegetation isn’t just a greener choice – it’s also a long-lasting way to boost the beauty and durability of your shoreline.

What are the best native plants for stabilizing shorelines in Maryland, and how can homeowners choose the right ones?

To help stabilize shorelines in Maryland, homeowners should prioritize native plants that naturally thrive in the area’s conditions and combat erosion. Plants with robust root systems, like Spartina pectinata (prairie cordgrass) or other native grasses, are particularly effective for coastal and shoreline settings. Adding native shrubs and wildflowers can further enhance erosion control while boosting the landscape’s beauty.

When selecting plants, take into account factors such as soil type, salinity, sunlight, and how close the plants will be to the water. For tailored advice, turn to resources like the Maryland Department of Natural Resources or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. These organizations provide expert recommendations on species suited to Maryland’s unique ecosystems. Additionally, consulting a landscaping professional with knowledge of the local environment can help you create a thriving, long-lasting shoreline planting plan.

What steps do Maryland homeowners need to take to get permits for shoreline planting projects in the Chesapeake Bay Critical Area?

How to Get Permits for Shoreline Planting in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area

If you’re planning a shoreline planting project in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Critical Area, you’ll need to follow specific steps to comply with environmental regulations. The first move? Contact your local planning and zoning office or the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). They’ll help you understand the requirements for your location.

You might be required to submit a detailed planting plan that shows how your project will support erosion control and improve habitats. This isn’t just about planting – it’s about aligning your efforts with broader environmental goals.

To make the process smoother, consider working with professionals who specialize in shoreline restoration. They can help you navigate the regulations and ensure your project is both legal and environmentally responsible. For example, local experts like Pro Landscapes MD offer services tailored to sustainable shoreline solutions, making them a valuable resource for projects like these.

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