Dune & Streambank Stabilization

On-Site assistance is available to help determine means of vegetating blowing sand with beachgrass and other plants. See the beachgrass section of the catalog. For large beachgrass planting jobs, the district has a crew available for a fee to do plantings.

Dune Stabilization

Lakeshore slopes and sand dunes are harsh growing environments. Vegetation is crucial in protecting these areas. Plants growing on these sites are subjected to wind erosion and sand abrasion. Without sufficient plant cover erosion can cause site and off-site damage.

A special group of plants grow in these conditions. They typically have protective surfaces on leaves to avoid abrasion and drying. Root systems are spreading and, in the case of beachgrass and other groundcovers, have rhizomes or "runners".

Larger slopes often have several growing "zones". These zones are identified by stratified soils, seeps, steepness or pitch, shade, or other physical features, which may impact the type of plant that could grow there.

 Site preparation for planting is often not necessary, as you will be planting in areas that lack sufficient cover. Mulching with straw and brush after planting could prove beneficial by shielding plants from erosion and drying.

The following woody plants and groundcovers are suited for Lakeshore and Dune plantings; most are available from Mason-Lake Conservation District.

Streambank Stabilization

Streambank Stabilization on-site technical assistance in vegetating riverbanks is available. A listing of suitable shrubs which grow well on streambanks can be mailed or obtained from the Mason-Lake CD office by calling the office 231-757-3708 ext. 3.

Shrubs for Stabilization

Beachgrass- See beachgrass page.

Bearberry-Native creeping shrubby groundcover plant that grows 1 ft. high. This will grow on sandy and rocky sites. Needs full sun.
Juniper-A native low spreading evergreen shrub which is slow-growing. The dusty blue “berry” is actually a cone. Needs full sun and dry, sandy soil.
Nanking Cherry-A fast growing dense shrub which produces showy white blossoms and edible fruit in July. Grows in full sun and will tolerate drought conditions. Will grow in a variety of soils, including sand.
Ninebark-A stout looking multi-stemmed woody shrub with shredding bark, grows in areas with moisture. Grows 3-9 feet tall. Like red-osier dogwood it needs moisture.
Red-Osier Dogwood-A native shrub, 6-8 feet tall, deep red bark, dark green leaves with white flowers. Grows well along bottom of dune where roots can reach moisture. Common shrub along the dunes.
Rosa Rugosa-Hardy fast growing shrub with showy white, pink or red flowers. Grows in droughty sands. Non-native, but non-invasive shrub.
Sand Cherry-Low shrub (3’-6’) white flowers in spring/early summer and dark purple fruit toward fall. Great to fill in sandy, dry areas, and for erosion control along lakes.