A living shoreline uses natural materials — native plants, sand, and sometimes limited stone — to stabilize a shoreline while preserving habitat, instead of a rigid structure like a bulkhead. It's a softer, more ecologically friendly approach that still protects your property from erosion.

Maryland's Living Shoreline Protection Act directs property owners on tidal waters to consider nature-based options before hardened structures like bulkheads, though there are exceptions depending on site conditions and wave energy. We can help you understand what applies to your specific property.

Wood is the most affordable option but requires the most maintenance over time. Composite decking costs more upfront but resists rot, splintering, and fading, needing little upkeep. Aluminum framing is the most durable against corrosion and is a strong long-term investment for waterfront exposure. We'll walk you through which fits your budget and how you use your dock.

There's more involvement in the first year or two — watering, weeding, and occasionally replacing plants that don't take — but once established, a living shoreline is generally low-maintenance and self-sustaining.

For higher-energy sites, we often combine natural plantings with a low sill of stone or a small structural component to break up wave action before it reaches the vegetation. We evaluate your shoreline's exposure before recommending a design.