Prevent Erosion Around Your Pond and Lake

What You can Do To Prevent Erosion Around Your Pond 

Whether your North Carolina lake and pond is ornamental or a man made retention pond, it is a vital part of your landscaping. And of course you don't want it getting cloudy with silt for days after every time it rains. So here are a few things you can do to preserve the shores of your pond;

• Plant Native Plants and Grasses - This being the first go-to option for most landowners, planting vegetation can help hold the soil in place with its roots and divert rainwater. Some excellent recommendations of moisture-loving plant species include;

-Blue Flag Irises-

Marsh Hibiscus-

Sedges and Rushes

Remember to plant vegetation that is appropriate for your climate and not outlawed by some governments for being invasive.

• Utilize Stones To Preserve The Shoreline - You can create a 'rip trap' around the shores of your pond by using stones. Use stones that are two feet in diameter, place side by side covering the shoreline. Make sure they are approximately one foot above the high water mark, and one foot below the normal water line. The rocks above the high water line will protect the shore from current activity during storms or other events that would cause waves. The rocks below will shield the shore during dry times when the water level is low.

• Keep Pasture Animals Away - You might want to consider running livestock fencing if your pond is located where cattle, horses, or deer can easily reach it. Their hooves can greatly damage the sod and trample the shore line. They will also eat the vegetation which will allow for even more erosion.

• Angle Pond Embankments - Utilize 3:1 (horizontal:vertical) or flatter side slopes for pond embankments, especially after any new construction.

By following these few tips you can look to drastically reduce the erosion around the shoreline of your pond. If you would like to know more about ponds and their management, feel free to contact us at our website. We service all of North Carolina from Charlotte to Wilmington.