Great Lakes Region
Dune development is mostly confined to the Michigan and Indiana shores of Lake Michigan;
however, the discussion which follows is applicable to all the shores of the Great Lakes. American
beachgrass is the dominant species. Native species, especially prairie sandreed, will often invade
naturally. Once the dunes have been stabilized, volunteer or planted species of upland vegetation can be
established. species of grasses suggested would include reed canarygrass, big bluestem, little bluestem,
and switchgrass, all native to the area. These grasses may be planted from early May to the middle of
June at a rate of about 0.5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet. All require full sun and may be mowed
occasionally. Reed canarygrass is especially useful in wet spots.
Various ground covers may also be planted. The species which may be utilized are best suggested
by local agricultural experts. The same holds true for shrubs and trees. When planting grasses and
ground covers, application of 12 pounds of 12-18-12 fertilizer per 1,000 square feet is recommended.
An additional problem which landowners in the Great Lakes region have is the stabilization of
bluffs. Often, structural corrections are required in concert with vegetation. Once the structural
stabilization is accomplished, vegetative cover will aid in preventing erosion, reducing seepage, and
slowing runoff.
The type of vegetation which can be established on bluff slopes is dependent upon the slope angle.
Slopes steeper than 1 on 1 generally preclude successful vegetation; slopes flatter than 1 on 3 can be
planted as a lawn and maintained in the usual manner. Slopes between 1 on 3 and 1 on 1 can be planted
with grasses which will not be mowed, ground covers, trees and shrubs, or combinations of these three.
As mentioned before, local expertise (e.g., agricultural extension agents) can aid the landowner in
selecting suitable species, and in describing the most practical methods of establishment and
maintenance.
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