coastal restoration

the challenge

This property, on a spit of land that juts out into the Bay with a southfacing view is truly special. As you approach from the mainland you pass over a beach edged by low sand dunes with healthy native shrubs. This habitat, has been substantially altered in the area that has been developed for residential use. Lawns have replaced native beach grass and invasive plants shrubs line the roads, property edges and areas close to the shore.

The dominate invasive plants include: Morrow's honeysuckle (a shrub), honeysuckle vine, beach roses and black swallowort vines (pictures). There is also a considerable area in lawn that has limited wildlife value and is more susceptible to erosion than plants that have evolved to live on shifting sands.

plant palette for restoration

All of the plants selected here are native to this area and are adapted to coastal conditions. All are reasonable salt and wind tolerant and can handle sandy soils. Some need wetter conditions than others,

Trees

Bird Cherry

Prunus serotina

Birds enjoy the cherries and the insects that live on the plant. Decent fall color and attractive dark red bark on new growth.

40' tall by 20' wide

There are some of these trees on the property. They should be protected and encouraged.

American holly

Quercus ilicifolia

Birds love hollies and the american holly grown among other trees in a forest setting is looser and less stiff than the standard garden variety hollies.

Likes it wet. Slower growing than deciduous trees.

up to 25' tall by 10'

Black Tupelo

Nyssa sylvatica

Cool horizontal branching, fall color that starts with early single bright red leaves and then crescendos to an entire flaming red, Creates thickets in wet areas. Tree on the left by the dunes