What shrubs/bushes/trees could help stabilize the bank around a saltwater cove?
Question:
We have a summer camp that is located on a salt water cove. This past year we have lost trees from all the storms/high winds we have had. Are there any shrubs/bushes/trees that we can plant that would help stabilize the banking these trees were on?
Answer:
Lynne M. Holland, Horticulture and Social Media Professional
In response to your question on replacing trees and shrubs in a coastal area situated on banking. I have found the following information.
The following link, Plants for Seaside Gardens, has an extensive list of trees, shrubs, and plants that are suitable for seaside gardens. Here is another link, Trees and Shrubs for Erosion Control, identifies plants that are recommended for erosion control. Please note that not all suggestions in the second link may be suitable for Maine. Knox county has three hardiness zones (5a, 5b, and 6) so check the plant hardiness zone for your gardens before purchasing plants.
From the links above I have identified some that are interesting in different seasons and some are also native to Maine:
1) Sambucus canadensis (common elder) or Sambucus racemose
2) Cornus sericea (Redosier Dogwood) or Cornus Alternafolia, which are both shrubs.
3) A tree option is Crategus crus-galli (Cockspur Hawthorn) or many of our native evergreens
I hope these suggestions are helpful. Please contact Lynne Holland if you have additional questions.