Plant Native Species: Live Plants: Recommended Actions

Transferring your plan onto the land

Once you've got your design on paper, it has to be transferred onto your shoreline. If you're doing your project in phases, mark each phase as you plan to complete the work. Since the master plan is to scale, a tape measure or marked rope can be used to transfer the lines from the plan onto the ground. Use landmarks such as trees, buildings or the shoreline edge to help you place the lines.

First, mark the buffer edge. The edge can be marked with spray paint, flagging, or stakes and twine. If you are removing or killing turf, wait until the turf is removed or dead before marking the remaining areas on your property.

In order to make the plant placement easier, it is helpful to mark the transitional zone. When it is time for planting, it will help you place the plants within the appropriate zone. This is especially useful when there are volunteers helping with the planting.

Depending upon the planting method and the complexity of the planting plan, you may want to mark additional areas. For example, if you have designated a path, mark the path through the buffer so you don't inadvertently plant within that area. Maybe there is a seating area you've identified within the buffer that should be marked. In a more formally designed buffer, you can mark areas of plant groupings.

Don't forget to mark off and protect areas that you've identified as an existing native plant community. In some cases you may find just a few remaining native plants that you want to flag and protect.