There is nothing that can replace the scenic wonder of nature's landscape. When you purchased this property you were probably attracted by the visual qualities and natural beauty in the area, and now you have a responsibility to maintain this beauty when you build or renovate your home. Here are some tips to help you work with the environment when developing your property.
Vegetative Screening: The native plant growth along a shoreline is extremely important for its visual quality as well for its filtering effect. If these plants become diseased or no longer perpetuate themselves, we can help nature by planting similar native vegetation in its place.
Structures: Buildings make the most dramatic change in any natural environment; they should be designed to fit in with the landscape as much as possible. Here are some key points to keep in mind with any lakefront design:
Size: Minimize the overall size of the structure and the profile facing the water. Plan your design so that the appropriate rooms are taking advantage of the view, and other rooms where you would normally cover the windows are facing away from the lake.
Building Materials: Select siding and roofing that is natural in appearance and does not clash with the surroundings.
Color: You may love the combination of purple and yellow, but it may stand out like a sore thumb in the shoreline view. Try to select colors that fit in with the area, and use flowers or shrubs to add accent colors
Accessory Structures: Try and limit additional storage structures to only one. They tend to interfere with the view and create an appearance of clutter. As stated above, the location would be more effective if the shed were placed facing away from the lake.
Docks and Boat Storage: Keep their size to a minimum and try to blend them into the shoreline as much as possible.
Shoreline Alteration: Wherever possible use natural filter strips as opposed to a retaining wall. This is a natural strip of vegetation that is added close to the shoreline; its purpose is act as a filter to prevent pollutants from seeping into the water and reduce soil erosion. It could be in the form of grasses or the most effective type is mature woodland.
