Landscape Maintenance and Management

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Darlene Charboneau
Landscape maintenance takes us back to the discussion on watersheds in Section 1. When choosing landscape maintenance techniques, we need to ask ourselves, how will my actions impact the watershed? Urban property owners need to remember to keep leaves, grass clippings, and fertilizer out of gutters where they will be washed into the storm sewer system. All property owners, whether in rural, urban, or lakeshore settings, can benefit by using low-input lawn care methods. In particular, once grass is established, most soils do not require additional phosphorus applications to maintain a healthy lawn. For complete information on sustainable lawn care practices, see the SULIS maintenance section at: http://www.sustland.umn.edu/maint/index.html

Native plant buffer zones require minimal maintenance. Fertilizer should not be used on native plantings as it will give an advantage to unwanted weed species and alter the natural growth habit of the natives. Plants that were properly selected for a site should thrive without fertilization. Plants will establish faster if watered during their first season of growth. After establishment, watering should not be needed except in periods of extreme drought. Mulch will help to retain soil moisture and prevent weed competition. If necessary, some hand weeding can be done until the planting has filled in. After establishment, plantings should be checked once a year for unwanted tree seedlings and other woody species. Remove these species on a regular basis if you do not wish to have an herbaceous planting convert to trees and shrubs. For further information on site maintenance, see Native Vegetation in Restored and Created Wetlands available at Minnesota's Bookstore.

If invasive exotics, such as purple loosestrife or reed canary grass, were previously present, it will be necessary to be on the lookout for their reappearance. They can be kept in check by carefully sponging on an appropriate herbicide. Do not spray herbicides after plant installation as drifting herbicide will harm all plants. Also, herbicide use is limited near water. Check with your local DNR office or visit the DNR Web site at: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us for appropriate use of herbicides.

Aquatic plant management is a concern for many lakeshore property owners. This is a complicated issue. Plants play a vital role in the health of lakes. Aquatic plant roots maintain lake bottom stability to prevent re-suspension of sediments. Plants recycle nutrients needed by other species and add oxygen to water. Finally, plants provide food and shelter for fish, frogs, turtles, birds and some mammals.

Controlling some species of plants may produce unintended consequences. The species removed may have been playing an unrealized role in keeping an even more troublesome species in check. A particular plant species could be playing a crucial role in the food web; if removed, the existence of a desirable species, which depends on the removed species, could be put in jeopardy. Excessive aquatic plant growth may be due to a lake's trophic state, or the amount of nutrients in the water. If reduced water quality is causing increased vegetation, watershed issues will need to be addressed for long-term control. Michigan State University Extension has produced a book entitled, A Citizen's Guide For The Identification, Mapping, and Management Of The Common Rooted Aquatic Plants Of Michigan Lakes. The book discusses watersheds, aquatic plant communities, lake mapping, management options, and control tools. The book also has a convenient key for the identification of common species that can be used for all of the upper Midwest. See the reference section for information on obtaining a copy.

Department of Natural Resources regulations apply to the control and removal of aquatic plants. Lakeshore rules and regulations for Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan are printed in Lakescaping For Wildlife and Water Quality. In Minnesota, permits may be required to remove emergent plants, apply herbicides, and remove submerged plants. See http://www.dnr.state.mn.us and following references.


Minnesota State Regulations on Controlling Aquatic Plants
Summarized from A guide to Aquatic Plants: Identification & Management
(Minnesota Department of Natural Resources)

Minnesota law states that aquatic plants growing in public waters are property of the state. Aquatic plants are considered such an important part of lake ecosystems that their control is regulated by the state via the Department of Natural Resources. Some control measures are not allowed, some are allowed with a permit, and some are allowed without a permit if guidelines are followed.

Control Measures That Are Not Allowed

Control Measures That Can Only Be Done With A Permit Control Measures That Can Be Done Without A Permit - If Aquatic Plants Are Interfering With Swimming and Boat Docking


Resources For Additional Information On
Landscape Maintenance and Management

Minnesota Sea Grant and Water Resources Center/University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota Extension Service Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources Minnesota Lakes Association Michigan State University Extension Wisconsin Lakes Partnership Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Center For Urban Ecology and Sustainability (CUES)


Some Additional Resources For General Lake Ecology

Lake Access Program
This is an excellent site to use as a lake ecology, aquatic plant, and watershed primer. Learn how to interpret lake data and access real time data on study lakes. http://www.lakeaccess.org

Water Resources Center
Water Quality Program is a resource to answer all types of water quality questions at: http://www.extension.umn.edu/water

Water On The Web
An educational site geared to high school and older students and adults interested in understanding lake data and lake ecology. Covers physical (watershed), chemical (nutrients), and biological (eutrophication) parameters of lakes. The site is easy to navigate and contains a useful glossary of terms. http://wow.nrri.umn.edu/wow

Minnesota Water Line is a service of the University of Minnesota. Citizens can call 1-800-455-4526 from 9:00-2:00 Monday -- Friday to ask questions regarding erosion, lawn care, aquatic plants, and any other water-related question.


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Design
 Plant Selection
 Implementation
 Maintenance