VEGETATED BUFFERS
Vegetation naturally colonizes the interface between wetland or open water areas and nearby upland regions . These natural areas form a vegetated buffer to filter nutrients , trap sediment , and protect shorelines from erosion . This can also be artificially created by installing vegetative buffers along shorelines to provide similar benefits . In addition to protecting property , these areas also provide services which help sustain local wildlife . They can incorporate a wide variety of vegetation based on their ability to protect shorelines , provide benefits to wildlife , and obtain the desired aesthetics of nearby residents . The most effective vegetative buffers mimic the surrounding natural landscape as much as possible and allow it to naturalize into natural habitat overtime .
VEGETATED BUFFERS
Site Selection
Generally , any shoreline area without hardened structures and set back from other structures and buildings is suitable for vegetated buffers . The best locations for placing buffers in the coastal region is along the pond and marsh edges . They are considered best practices to implement if there is a residence nearby with manicured landscaping . It is recommended to reduce the size of lawns and high maintenance landscaping practices adjacent to buffers to maximize the benefits of the practice . The recommended width of vegetative buffers is between 50- 75 feet ( or greater ) and extends along the entirety of the desired area . However , smaller buffers are encouraged in areas with space limitations between the SCDHEC-OCRM critical line and residential or commercial features .
Materials and Design
A majority of the materials needed for vegetated buffers revolve around selected plant materials and soil amendments for incorporating plantings . Native plant species should be selected based on the current conditions of the site and whether they are subject to occasional saltwater inundation . Areas along the marsh should incorporate native species with high to moderate tolerance of saltwater conditions . Plants such as sweet grass ( Muhlenbergia filipes ), saltmeadow cordgrass ( Spartina patens ), wax myrtle ( Morella cerifera ), marsh elder ( Iva frutescens ), slender woodoats ( Chasmanthium laxum ), yaupon holly ( Ilex vomitoria ), sweetgrass ( Muhlenbergia filipes ), and sea-myrtle ( Baccharis halimifolia ) are native plants commonly found in salt shrub thickets adjacent to tidal salt marshes . Vegetated buffers in other areas , such as near ponds and freshwater streams , can incorporate similar native planting options .
It is highly encouraged to use native ornamental grasses and herbaceous groundcovers as the predominant vegetation to maximize the interception of runoff and stabilize soils . Trees or shrubby vegetation should be incorporated to provide additional screening , as needed , and promote biodiversity within the buffer . It is recommended to use plants tolerant of moderate salt , wet , and drought conditions . Designs on the planting should create a layering effect that appears natural and is aesthetically pleasing . A simple topsoil mix should be used for establishing plants . It is strongly recommended to avoid using non-native or invasive plants within the vegetative buffer .
FALL 2022
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