Highland Lakes

From Maine’s – Maine Department of Environmental Protection:
“Shoreline trees, shrubs, and groundcover plants buffer/protect lakes by acting as a sponge for stormwater runoff. These buffer strips or ribbons of vegetation catch sediment and other pollution before it reaches the lake.

Trees and shrubs intercept raindrops and reduce their impact on the soil while low growing plants and the “duff” layer filter runoff. The deep tangled root system of trees and shrubs hold soil in place and absorb water and nutrients. In addition, buffer plants can enhance privacy, filter noise and wind, plus attract birds, butterflies and other wildlife. And believe it or not, these areas are very important to aquatic animals such as fish living in the shallows along the shore.

Landscaping and managing your lake shoreline to protect and/or restore buffer vegetation is the most important way you can help your lake and have a low-maintenance, great-looking property.

The adage Lakes Like Less Lawn has never been more true!”

Many resources are available on this page from Maine’s DEP:
https://www.maine.gov/dep/land/watershed/bufa.html