How to Plant a Riparian Buffer

Riparian buffers protect or improve stream habitat.

A riparian buffer is a strip of vegetation between a water body and an area of human activity. Riparian buffers are able to improve and protect stream water by reducing erosion and filtering runoff from urban and agricultural uses. Additionally, buffers can provide a wildlife habitat and may be a source of income through government cost-share programs or specialty crops. Planting a riparian buffer requires a fair amount of assessment and planning, in addition to the physical site preparation and planting.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Tiller or similar machine
• Seeding machine
• Shovel or other digging tool
• Seedlings and/or seeds

Instructions

1. Assess the site. Buffer requirements may vary depending on soil quality, slope, site use and land availability. A permit may be required, depending on the location and construction equipment needed. Check with local, state and federal agencies to obtain any required permits, and determine eligibility for cost-share programs. Site assessments should also include locating any underground utilities and a soil test to determine plant species' suitability and whether or not soil amendments are necessary.

2. Develop a plan. Riparian buffers should include multiple zones differentiated by distance to the water, purpose and vegetation type. The ideal total buffer width is at least 55 feet. The zone adjacent to the water consists of trees and shrubs that stabilize the bank and provide shade and large debris for wildlife habitat. This area should be at least 15 feet wide. The next zone should be a 20-foot-wide shrub and tree mixture to filter runoff, uptake nutrients and provide a travel corridor and habitat for wildlife. The third zone should be a strip, at least 20 feet wide, of grassy vegetation. This zone, which slows and filters runoff, is extremely important in areas of urban and agricultural activities.

3. Prepare the site. Remove any invasive plants either manually or with an herbicide safe for use near water. If the bank is unstable and subject to erosion, it must be stabilized prior to planting. Address erosion by strategically placing straw bales or silt fencing. These should be regularly examined and maintained after rain events or melts.

4. Select plant species. Consult a local extension service, university or government office or visit natural stream banks or other restored riparian buffers to determine which species mixture is best suited for and native to the area. Use a mixture of plants. Try to use plants that offer multiple ecological benefits, and plant dominate species that will eventually provide ample shade to keep the water cool. Avoid planting any invasive species.

5. Plant the selected native species. Arrange plants along the slope so that the bank edge is gradual. Use proper transplanting and root-pruning techniques when planting seedlings -- and avoid planting sun-intolerant understory species until ample shade has developed.

6. Protect and maintain the young buffer. Weeds will appear and should be removed so that they do not compete with seedlings for resources. Remove weeds within a 3- or 4-foot radius around seedlings and consider planting native grasses between seedlings. Mulch around seedlings to conserve moisture and reduce weed growth. Water new seedlings deeply at least once per week or more, depending on weather conditions. Wildlife may browse on young seedlings, so it might be beneficial to minimize wildlife habitat, construct fencing or use repellents.

References

• Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council: Lake and Stream Corridor Owners' Guide for Riparian Buffer Establishment
• University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension; Installing Your Riparian Buffer: Tree and Grass Planting, Postplanting Care and Maintenance; Feb. 2005
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service; Planting a Riparian Buffer; Carmen T. Agouridis, et al.
• Tredyffrin Township: Riparian Buffer Plantings
• Conneticut Rivers Joint Commision; Planting Riparian Buffers; Sept. 2000