Pollinators & Shoreland Landscaping

Fisheries, Wildlife & People

Design a shoreland landscape that boosts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while protecting water quality and views.

Why Pollinator-Friendly Shores Help Lakes

Deep Roots = Clear Water

Native plants with deep, fibrous roots hold soil and soak up nutrients before they reach the lake

Continuous Bloom = Biodiversity

Flowers across spring–fall support insects, birds, and bats that knit the shoreline food web

Low-Input

Well-chosen natives need less irrigation and fertilizer once established

Simple Design Principles (Plain Language)

  • Right Plant, Right Zone

    Match plants to sun (full/part shade) and moisture (dry/mesic/moist) from house to water

  • Layered Structure

    Mix grasses/sedges (70–80%) for structure with flowers (20–30%) for nectar/pollen

  • Bloom Succession

    Include early (spring), mid, and late season flowers; aim for 3+ species in bloom at any time

  • Shapes That Read Tidy

    Curved beds with clean edges or mowed strips keep a natural look intentional

Starter Plant Lists by Zone

Choose regional natives that fit your site; substitute equivalents as needed.

Upland / Drier

(near house or higher banks)

Deep-rooted bunchgrasses; drought-tolerant flowers with early–late bloom spread

Mid-Slope / Mesic

(average moisture)

Mix of grasses/sedges with sturdy flowers; good for paths/windows in the planting

Water-Edge / Moist

(toe of slope)

Sedges and rushes with moisture-loving flowers; stabilize soil at the toe of slope

Access & Views—Without Sacrificing Habitat

  • Keep a meandering path or view window; place taller plants to the sides/back
  • Use stepping stones through beds to reduce trampling and compaction
  • Near docks/swim areas, favor lower-growing species and strong rooters

Site Prep & Planting (Weekend-Friendly)

  1. Map sun and moisture zones; note runoff paths
  2. Smother weeds (cardboard + mulch 4–6 weeks) or carefully remove sod
  3. Plant densely in groups of 3–7; keep soil covered from day one
  4. Mulch 1–2 in around new plants; keep stems clear; water deeply the first season in dry spells

Maintenance—Small Habits, Big Payoff

Spring:
Cut stems to 6–8 in after overwintering insects emerge; leave some hollow stems for nesting
Summer:
Spot-weed monthly; top up mulch lightly; water new plantings during drought
Fall/Winter:
Leave stems and seedheads for birds; rake only what blocks paths or drains

Pesticide & Fertilizer Sense

  • Skip routine fertilizer; healthy natives don't need it and excess fuels algae
  • If pests appear, start with hand-picking or targeted, low-risk options; avoid spraying when flowers are open or pollinators are active
  • Avoid neonicotinoids and broad-spectrum insecticides near shorelines

Mowing & Leaf-Litter Tips

  • Raise mower height on upland turf; taller grass shades soil and needs less water
  • Leave leaves as mulch in beds; keep them off pavement and out of ditches

Quick Planning Worksheet

Available width: ______ ft
Sun/Shade: __________________
Soil moisture: Dry / Average / Moist
Access window width: ______ ft
Plant palette (by zone): __________________________________
Bloom calendar (spring/mid/late): _________________________
Maintenance calendar: _____________________________________

Myths—And Better Takes

  • "Pollinator gardens look messy"

    Better take: Edging, paths, and grouped plantings read as intentional and clean

  • "More flowers = better"

    Better take: Without grasses/sedges, beds flop and erode—structure first

  • "Fertilizer helps natives establish"

    Better take: Most natives prefer low-fertility soils; fertilizer increases weeds and runoff

Bottom Line

A layered, native shoreland planting supports pollinators and keeps the lake clearer. Design for bloom across the seasons, keep structure high, and maintain tidy edges for a landscape that's both lively and lake-friendly.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • 70-80% grasses/sedges, 20-30% flowers
  • Match plants to sun and moisture zones
  • Aim for 3+ species blooming at any time
  • Plant densely in groups of 3-7
  • Skip routine fertilizer
  • Leave stems standing through winter

Ideal Planting Mix

  • 70-80%: Grasses/sedges (structure)
  • 20-30%: Flowers (nectar/pollen)

Bloom Succession Goal

Target: 3+ species in bloom at any time

  • Early: Spring bloomers
  • Mid: Summer flowers
  • Late: Fall nectar sources

Pesticide Caution

  • Avoid neonicotinoids
  • Never spray open flowers
  • Hand-pick pests first

Need Plant Selection Help?

Contact your local conservation district, native plant nursery, or extension office for site-specific plant recommendations and pollinator resources.

Get Help