This selective vegetation removal is called shoreland editing. Shoreland editing is a stepby-step process dictated by your own needs and tastes. Effective editing is done over several seasons using this basic approach. First you create a map of the buildings, vegetation and other features of your property. Next you determine where to put the paths, beach, dock, and boat storage, and make these alterations removing as little vegetation as possible. After assessing views from all windows and doors in the home as well as from the lake to the home, you decide which trees, shrubs, and branches need to be removed to improve the views and tag them. You can work with an arborist or other competent including aquatic (in water) and upland tree trimmer to remove the tagged vegetation. Wait at least a month before deciding whether additional editing is necessary.
1. Creating a base map
Sketch the features of your property on graph paper. Use a scale of I” = 16′ for 8.5 x 11 ” maps of sites with 100 feet of shoreline and a house 75 feet from the lake. If your property is much smaller, a scale of I ” = 10′ may work. The map does not need to be perfect, just approximate, but should include the following:
-Property lines. If you are not sure where the lot lines are, check for existing plat maps, surveys, and permit applications at the county or city government center.
-Building dimensions and location. Show locations of windows and doors. Existing stands of native perennials, including aquatic (in water) and upland (above ordinary high water) vegetation.
-Existing trees and shrubs. Identify as many as possible.
-Existing structures (if any), such as board walks, bird houses, fences, docks, and boat house.
-Unusual features, such as mounds, depressions, large rocks, or fallen trees.
On the base map, sketch to scale your proposed path(s), dock, and beach.
-Dock and boat storage. Consider how much space is needed to move and store the dock and to bring boats in and out of the water.
-Beach. Ideally, plan to remove as little vegetation as possible both in the water and on the adjacent land when creating a beach. Lakes are public property below the ordinary high water level. Consult with local staff of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources before removing aquatic plants and before adding sand. Both activities require permits.
-Paths. Sketch your route (including width) on the base map. To minimize erosion, do not create paths that follow the “fall line,” or primary slope direction. Instead, route paths along side slopes, especially in steep terrain (Figure 3). In low-lying areas that are frequently muddy, consider a board walk rather than a dirt path to reduce shoreline erosion.
You can create paths and add a dock and a beach before or after editing. If you remove some trees and shrubs when adding these elements, less vegetation will need to be removed later. On the, other hand, after editing trees or shrubs to create views, it can be easier to spot a “natural” walk to the shoreline with a logical place for a dock.
Make notes on your map for desired viewing areas of your home. These notes should include which trees, shrubs, or branches might be best removed to allow views from that area. – If there is some-thing specific you want to see from a certain view, like a dock or nest, write this down as well. Don’t forget to view the shoreline from the water to assess how removing trees, shrubs, and branches will affect protection from wind and the appearance of your property.
After identifying on the map trees, shrubs, and branches for removal, locate them on the ground. Tag them with brightly colored landscaping tape to mark them for removal. If you have a choice of removing one of a group of trees or shrubs, take out the fastest-growing species or less-healthy specimens. Consider leaving some dead standing trees as long as they are not a safety threat. These “critter trees” provide excellent wildlife habitat.
The next step is to remove the tagged trees, shrubs, and branches. The best season for editing depends on the species to be removed. Some trees, such as oaks and elms, should not be pruned in April, May or June. It is not feasible for many shoreland owners to remove trees themselves. You may want to call a professional arborist or request assistance from someone you know with tree removal experience. When hiring a professional, be clear about what you don’t want removed.
If more than one tree has been tagged, remove one tree at a time. Reassess the views from your home after each removal to be sure the other trees still need to be removed. In some cases, removing a branch rather than a whole tree may complete the editing. Remember to consider seasonal differences: in the winter leafless trees will not provide as much privacy. Too much editing of thick summer growth may leave your house exposed during much of the year. If you are unsure whether to remove something, leave it and reconsider removal in a few months or in a different season.
After completing several edits, you should attain the desired views with minimal loss of vegetation. Taking pictures before and after editing can provide you with a history of progress toward your goals. You likely will want to do routine editing every few years, as trees and shrubs continue to grow. For lowering yard maintenance, protecting water quality, reducing erosion, and sustaining habitat, shoreland editing is a viable method of property development.