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 What is a greenbelt?
A greenbelt is a strip of native vegetation along the shore of a lake or river that acts as a buffer between human development and the water. It can be as "wild" or as manicured as a landowner wants, and it has many functional values. The goal of greenbelting is to return to a more natural vegetative state along the shoreline in order to protect the land and water quality.
Benefits of greenbelts include the following:
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erosion control
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nutrient/pollution filtering
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sound barrier and increased privacy
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wildlife habitat
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beautiful, unique "frame" for your view of the water
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Canada goose deterrant
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butterfly and bird attractant
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fish spawning ground
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reduced maintenance costs
The most important benefits of greenbelts are erosion control and pollution filtering—by keeping sediments and excess nutrients from washing into the water, greenbelts keep the water clear and cool. This allows light to reach deeper in the water, allowing aquatic plants to grow and provide food, oxygen, and a place to live for the many fish and other animals that live in the lakes and rivers. When too many nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus get into the water, they cause algae to bloom, blocking out light and killing the native plants, creating an environment without oxygen in which fish cannot survive.
How do I know if I need one?
 If you own waterfront property, chances are your land would benefit from a greenbelt. Some more serious indicators that you should install one are:
- Erosion at the water's edge or shoreline loss
- A steep bank that is beginning to slump
- Encroachment of invasive species
- Ice damage to the shoreline
- A crumbling or damaged seawall
- Algal blooms or excessive algae waste on the beach
 Get Started: A Step-By-Step Guide
First, go out and look at your shoreline. Ask yourself if you see evidence of any of the above indicators. If you do, or if you want to have a native vegetated buffer strip to prevent these problems, you are ready to get started.
Follow these general steps to install a greenbelt on your property:
- Go to the pros. Go to your local conservation district, MSU Extension, or other resource group to get the best information about the next steps to take. See the Other Resources section on this page for a link to their contact information or websites.
- Learn about your property. List the conditions on your property—is it sunny or shady? Is there a slope, and which direction does it face? Is the soil always moist or does it dry out? Have your soil tested to find out what kind of nutrients are there and in what amounts so you know whether you need to fertilize. Your MSU Extension can provide soil test kits. Also have your septic system inspected by a professional. Fill out a property evaluation sheet to help get a sense of what kind of project you're looking at. Contact Huron Pines at (989) 348-9319 to set up an on-site consultation.
- Make plans. Using the information you have gathered about what your land needs, decide what to do. Depending on the scale of the project, you may need special permits or help from professional engineers and landscapers, especially if you are adding or removing a seawall or rock riprap. Just a hand drawing of your shoreline with plant locations and other features marked may be enough. If you are working with a professional, they may ask you to sign partnership agreements or a payment contract.
- Get creative. Choose a variety of native plants to add to your greenbelt—go for color, texture, wildlife attraction, or all of the above! For a list of common native plants for greenbelts in Northern Michigan, click here. Make sure that whatever plants you order will thrive in your particular habitat type. If you are adding or keeping a path to the beach or a dock, choose stones or mulch that will give a natural feel.
- Keep track of your budget. Don't go ahead with the project unless you know you can pay for it. Leave yourself a little "wiggle room" in case your project expands or needs extra work.
- Get to work! Once you have your native plants, you can install your greenbelt. Sometimes it is helpful to set out all your plants according to your design before actually planting them. Then, you can tweak your design according to how the real plants look. Follow planting guidelines on the tags of the plants if possible, or research online or in a book.
- Maintain your greenbelt. While a goal of a greenbelt is low maintenance, for the first year or so the plants will need special help to establish. Make sure to water and weed regularly, or have someone do it for you if you can't be at your property often enough.
- Enjoy your new view! Greenbelts provide an ever-changing frame to your view. They are meant to be beautiful and functional, and you should be able to enjoy your shoreline even more than you did before!
For more information on greenbelt plants, design, and other shoreline stewardship activities, go to the resources section below.
General Good Stewardship of Your Lake
In addition to installing a native greenbelt as a buffer, there are other measures you can take to help keep your lake clean. First, reduce the amount of fertilizers and pesticides you use on your property—completely if possible. If you must use fertilizer (as determined by a soil test), use phosphorus-free fertilizer. In addition, have your septic system inspected regularly and pumped every 1-3 years depending on its size and usage. Finally, if you mow grass on your property, set the mower at the highest setting to encourage the grass to grow deep, strong roots. It will be able to survive drought better and absorb more runoff this way.
Other Resources
Higgins Lake Shoreline Stewardship Program
Native Plants—All You Need to Know
Greenbelt Structure and Design
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