Water’s Edge
Erosion Control - Erosion can occur at the water’s edge as a result of wave action, inadvertent damage from equipment (ie. mowers), rainfall and run-off, wildlife burrowing, or an absence of protective bank vegetation. ILM provides a variety of erosion control services to stabilize your pond, lake, or streambank shoreline. These include installing a native buffer zone, seeding and matting, planting native vegetation, supplementary seeding, and wildlife control.
Invasive Control - An ongoing maintenance program is important to ensure the health of natural areas. Weed seeds are continually dispersed by wind, water, birds, and other animals. Common buffer zone invasive species include cattails, phragmites, and thistle. Reed canary grass often invades prairies and other open land areas, while garlic mustard can be widespread within woodland areas. Our licensed field technicians perform site assessments followed by herbicide, hand-pulling, and cutting treatments.
Planting – Native plant plugs can speed up the native buffer establishment process. ILM can assess your buffer zone and group plantings within specific sections that may require more intense management.
Seeding/Matting - The long, intricate roots of native plant species stabilize the surrounding soil much better than the short rooted turf grasses. Our skilled technicians cover seeded areas with protective erosion matting, aiding in the erosion control of critical areas with young native vegetation.
Prescribed Burn – A regular prescribed burn regime is beneficial for natural areas when undertaken once every 3-5 years. Fire converts the dead vegetation to nutrients appropriate for the new season’s growth and minimizes woody invasive species such as willows and buckthorn. As native species are more adapted to fire, burning also means they have less competition from invasives for space, water, and nutrients. ILM is equipped with field technicians certified at the S-130, S-190, and S-290 levels
Woody removal – Brush removal is essential to the health of all types of natural environments. Woodland woody weeds, such as buckthorn, out-compete native vegetation for light, moisture, and nutrients. These invasives form an impenetrable layer of vegetation that degrades wildlife habitat and native plant ecosystems. Sandbar willow will choke out buffer zone vegetation, while prairie woody invasives may suffer from red osier dogwood invasion. ILM offers a reduced rate for providing this service during the winter months.
Supplementary Seeding – Supplementary seeding can boost the native matrix within a buffer zone, prairie, wetland, or woodland. ILM recommends supplying and installing supplementary seed in the late fall or early winter, as germination of many natives is promoted by winter’s freeze/thaw cycle.
