Buffer Landscaping: Expert Tips for Design and Function

If you spend any time cruising around Smith Mountain Lake, you’ll notice a range of approaches to shoreline landscaping. Thinking of your shoreline as a buffer between the land and the lake ensures your lakefront landscaping looks great and helps keep the lake clean.

The Smith Mountain Lake Association (SMLA) promotes buffer landscapes as a way homeowners can positively affect water quality and slow the lake’s natural aging.

A buffer landscape uses native plants to create an area of vegetation that slows runoff and traps sediment, excess nutrients and pollutants. Buffer landscapes also prevent erosion and stabilize sloped shorelines.

A buffer landscaped yard can be simple or complex. The goal is to use vegetation other than grass along the shoreline to slow runoff. Homeowners can take a DIY approach or work with local landscapers.

Turf grass mowed to the water’s edge with no trees causes habitat loss and water quality deterioration. Shallow-rooted lawns act as runways for fertilizer, pollutants and sediment to reach the lake. Buffer landscaping mitigates undesirable processes associated with shoreline development, such as:

•       Excess organic matter entering the water
•       Sedimentation from wind and water moving soil into the lake
•       Runoff carrying chemicals, fertilizers and litter, reducing water clarity and quality

Natural, deep-rooted vegetation slows runoff and filters sediment, fertilizer and pollutants before they reach the lake. Buffer landscapes with native plants and trees thrive with less maintenance and expense for fertilizers and pesticides. Once established, these landscapes save time and money by reducing lawn maintenance. They also attract hummingbirds, butterflies and other wildlife while providing seasonal benefits like summer shade and winter sunlight.

Shorelines support diverse wildlife, serving as transition zones for terrestrial and aquatic species. For example, turtles need land to lay eggs, while many salamanders and frogs spend most of their lives on land but require water for reproduction. A buffer garden also deters Canada geese from feeding, resting and defecating on your lawn.

Start planning your buffer landscape project by taking inventory of your property. Map spaces, structures and growing conditions, noting overhead and underground utilities, irrigation systems, hills, bluffs and slopes. Identify existing plants to determine which to keep or remove using tools like plant guides or apps. Local experts such as botanists, urban foresters and nurseries can assist.

Observe sunlight and shade patterns throughout the day and across seasons:

• Full sun: 8-plus hours of direct sunlight daily
• Partial sun: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight daily

Assess wildlife activity by noting tracks, nesting areas and food sources. Identify wildlife you want to attract and choose plants that provide food and shelter for those species. Also, evaluate soil moisture and test soil pH through your county agricultural extension office. Understanding your property’s soil and moisture conditions helps in selecting suitable plants.

A professional landscape architect or designer can help create a plan, but you can also do it yourself. Consider these factors:

• Frame the view: Envision how the buffer will look and affect your lake view. Large trees work well at the edges, framing the view.
• Address issues: Use plant selection to create windbreaks or screen unwanted views.
• Pick the right plants: Select native species suited to your site’s conditions. Plants thriving on nearby properties are often a good indicator of suitability. Check the 
• SMLA’s recommended plant list at smlassociation.org/recommended-plant-list.

The Smith Mountain Lake area is in growing zone 7. Focus on perennials, shrubs, trees and grasses adapted to this zone.

At Smith Mountain Lake, land between the 800-foot contour line and the surface of the lake is controlled by AEP. The extent of this land on your property depends on the topography of your lot.

Adding plants does not require a permit, but tree removal or clearing undergrowth does. New plant selections must be native species.

Your buffer should ideally be 25-35 feet deep for maximum filtering benefits, though this depends on the slope of your shoreline. If space or monetary resources are limited, consider adding the buffer in stages over several years.

Planting your buffer can be fun and rewarding. Here are some tips for success:

• Group plants in mulched beds: This creates a natural look and simplifies watering and weed control.
• Include shrubs with trees: Shrubs add interest and stabilize soil while trees mature.
• Avoid straight lines: Stagger plants in natural curves or groupings.
• Mix shapes and heights: Use flowering plants, shrubs and trees to add color and attract wildlife.
• Prioritize native species: Native plants are adapted to the climate, resist pests and have deep roots for better runoff filtration.

Investing time in the early years pays off as the buffer matures. Focus on:

• Weed control: Manage weeds weekly during the first two years to ensure plant survival.
• Proper watering: Water new plants deeply (up to one inch per week) during their first two seasons. Avoid shallow watering, which keeps roots near the surface.
• Deer control: Use repellents or sprays, rotating types for effectiveness. Established plants are more resistant to deer.

Spread three inches of mulch between plants to discourage weeds and retain moisture. Avoid using landscape fabric, which can clog and prevent water and air access to soil. Be patient; plants take 2-5 years to flower or establish fully.

As your landscape matures, expect changes in plant growth, light conditions and wildlife activity. These changes enrich the environment and contribute to the lake’s health. Enjoy your evolving buffer landscape, knowing you’re protecting your property investment and Smith Mountain Lake’s water quality.

Additional Resources

• SMLA Buffer Landscaping Brochures and Handouts
• Mariners Landing Demonstration Garden
• How to Join SMLA