Lake and Stream Corridor Owners' Guide for Riparian Buffer Establishment
Plant Materials Selection

A dramatic example of how woody vegetation will hold soil together, while the adjacent grass cover around this pond has allowed the banks to completely fail, thereby adding to the state's largest water quality pollutant of concern - soil erosion and sedimentation.

Riparian buffers can be designed to produce different environmental benefits (water filtration, wildlife habitat, erosion control, etc.). Likewise, the plants used in the buffers can offer varying benefits. Because of this, it is strongly recommended that a wide variety of woody plant species be used in Zones 1 and 2 of the buffer. In Michigan there are hundreds of native trees and shrubs that potentially could be used in a riparian buffer planting. Non-native species should not be used, and should be eliminated prior to planting. It is strongly recommended that you consult with your local conservation district forester for assistance with interpreting the soils and other local conditions before selecting plants. Also, consider the following values when deciding what to plant:

Wildlife Food:
Plants that produce palatable nuts, seeds, and berries should be included in the design if wildlife habitat is an objective. Trees like oaks, hickories, walnut, American beech, viburnums, cherries, and dogwoods are important to a wide variety of wildlife species. Additionally, some woody plants, such as aspen, white pine, and red maple provide desirable browse to deer and other species when they are small enough that animals can reach the young succulent twigs.

Wildlife Cover:
Another important wildlife consideration is protection from harsh weather and predators, and nesting opportunities. Fast growing conifers, such as white pine or white spruce can provide good bedding areas and thermal protection in the winter. Long-lived trees such as beech, white oak, and sugar maple that often develop cavities as they mature, can ultimately provide great nesting sites for squirrels, wood ducks, and songbirds.

Large Debris:
On naturalized riparian corridors, fallen limbs and dead trees can play a critical role in the health of the aquatic habitat. Many fish species are attracted to areas containing this woody debris. Also, a moderate amount of woody material can slow water movement, reducing streambank erosion potential. In some constructed drains, however, this may not be desirable.

Shade:
Large trees with dense canopies growing adjacent to a streamare very important to water quality because they produce shade which can significantly cool the water. Trout and other cool water fish are much more likely to be found in stream corridors containing basswood, maples, oaks, and other dense-crowned trees.

Sprouting ability:
Where fast moving flood waters or ice flows are likely, trees and shrubs planted close to the stream are likely to be damaged. In these areas, it may be wise to select trees that can easily sprout from stumps and cuttings. Willows, shrub dogwoods, highbush cranberry, and aspen are examples of species that can replace themselves easily if their tops are damaged or broken.

Aesthetics: Certainly, the appearance of a forested riparian buffer is important in most cases. While this is largely a matter of personal preference, some consideration should be given to trees and shrubs with attractive and/or fragrant flowers (nannyberry, redbud, tulip tree), bright fall foliage (sugar maple, red maple, sassafras), and interesting bark (beech, birch, sycamore).

Again, more importantly than any of the factors listed above, is the suitability of a species to the planting site. It is imperative that soil texture and drainage, existing shade, and site hydrology be considered in selecting your plants.

Additional guidelines on riparian buffers and species recommendations can be found at the following web site: http://www.mi.nrcs.usda.gov. On left sidebar click on Electronic Field Office Technical Guide (eFOTG). On the map under Access eFOTG click on Michigan, click on your county twice. On left sidebar, click Section IV, then A. Conservation Practices. Scroll about 2/3 down to Riparian Forest Buffer practice #391.