Your lakefront property is a cherished retreat, a place where memories are made against the stunning backdrop of Lake Keowee’s natural beauty. But, this enchanting shoreline faces erosion challenges that can threaten its splendor and structural integrity. At Kroeger Marine, we believe that effective erosion control is vital for preserving your investment and ensuring your waterfront remains a source of joy. In this post, we’ll explore why erosion prevention and control matters, as well as the proven Kroeger Marine erosion control methods that will stabilize your shoreline investment.

Why Shoreline Erosion Control Is a Concern For Property Owners

Shoreline erosion is a significant concern for property owners, but understanding it can empower you to take proactive steps in protecting your investment. As the shoreline gradually wears away, it can lead to property loss, tree and ground cover loss, muddy waters, and compromised landscapes. If you’re worried about your lakefront property being affected by the causes listed below, book a shoreline evaluation with us and we’ll assess your property’s needs to implement effective erosion control solutions.

Natural Forces

1. Water Currents: The movement of water, particularly from waves or river flows, exerts force on the shoreline, displacing soil and sediment over time.
2. Waves: The impact of waves crashing against the shore can erode banks, especially during storms, undermining vegetation and destabilizing soil.
3. Weather Conditions: Rainfall, wind, and temperature changes can affect erosion. Heavy rain leads to upland runoff that washes away soil, while wind can dry and erode exposed areas.

Human Activity

1. Construction: Land clearing and grading disrupt natural drainage patterns and remove protective vegetation, increasing erosion risk.
2. Landscaping Changes: Altering the landscape by removing trees or changing bank slopes destabilizes soil and increases vulnerability to erosion.
3. Recreational Activities: Frequent foot traffic and boating can disturb soil and vegetation, accelerating erosion along the shoreline.
4. Poor Drainage Management: Inadequate drainage systems or planning with upland landscaping can lead to excessive upland runoff that washes away soil from the banks.

The good news is that with the right knowledge and professional aid, preventative erosion control methods can manage these challenges to keep your shoreline healthy and beautiful for many years to come.

How We Approach Erosion Control At Kroeger Marine

At Kroeger Marine, we specialize in lakefront erosion control, offering customized solutions crafted to meet the unique challenges of Lake Keowee’s shorelines. Every property is different, which is why our approach is personalized to address your shoreline’s specific characteristics and erosion needs. Our approach includes:

1. Assessment of Shoreline Conditions: We evaluate current conditions to understand the specific needs of your shoreline.
2. Customized Solutions: Based on our assessment, we develop a customized plan that may incorporate a range of techniques, including de-brushing, bank shaping, back-filling, planting, and riprap installation at various levels. Every project is uniquely designed to meet the specific needs of the property, addressing shoreline concerns and ensuring the most effective stabilization for long-term success.
3. Professional Installation: Backed with unmatched expertise and an in-depth understanding of Lake Keowee, our skilled team ensures every installation is executed with precision to maximize long-term effectiveness and minimize environmental impact.

What Kind of Erosion Prevention Measures Do We Use?

Our team has spent three decades developing and refining techniques to address existing erosion issues, helping to protect valuable property and prevent future erosion. Our comprehensive approach to shoreline management ensures both immediate stabilization and long-term protection. Here’s a closer look at the methods we use to protect and enhance your property:

1. Bank Preparation

The foundation of our erosion control strategy begins with meticulous bank preparation. This process includes:

• Clearing and Shaping: We remove trees and shrubs before shaping the bank to match Duke Energy regulations and the natural contour of the shoreline. This involves cutting, filling, and smoothing the embankment to achieve an ideal slope of 3-to-1 or 2-to-1 when conditions permit.
• Stabilizing the Foundation: The soil is tightly packed to create a strong base for rock adherence. We then apply a geo-fabric layer to reinforce the shoreline, providing a stable, adhesive surface for the rocks and enhancing long-term durability.

Before

Phase 1

Phase 2

2. Riprap Installation

Riprap is a cornerstone of our erosion prevention approach. Here’s how we implement it:

Rock Placement: Once the geo-fabric is in place, we add approximately one ton of stone per linear foot of shoreline. Rocks are carefully pressed and placed to absorb wave energy and minimize soil displacement.

Phase 3

Stone Options: We offer a variety of high-quality stones to suit your preferences and subdivision requirements, including:

Oconee Prime: A boulder mix of locally-derived stone of varied texture, color, and size, available exclusively through Kroeger Marine and resulting in a cool-toned, mosaic-like appearance with warm accents. Oconee Prime combines exceptional erosion protection with aesthetic appeal and is approved for use in all design-regulated communities.

Foundation Stone: A medium-sized boulder mix in predominantly gray tones, offering a natural, tumbled look that blends seamlessly into any shoreline. Its versatility makes it ideal for integrating with existing or weathered riprap. This stone is also permitted in all design-regulated communities.

Granite: A coarse-grained, durable stone in light to dark gray tones, depending on its natural composition. Granite withstands abrasions, heavy loads, and harsh weather while offering a cost-effective solution. However, it is not allowed in all communities.

Phase 4 (Stone Completed)

3. Strategic Planting

To complete the shoreline restoration, we incorporate mulch and native plantings in accordance with Duke Energy’s planting plan. Highlights of our planting process include:

• Careful Planning: Plant species and schedules are tailored to site-specific conditions to optimize survival and effectiveness.
• Root Stabilization: Plants are strategically placed above and within the structure to grow deep roots that further stabilize the shoreline and reinforce the work performed.

Phase 5

4. Proper Construction Techniques

We utilize heavy machinery operated from barges to prevent damage to your landscape during installation. This barge installation method allows for precise placement without disturbing the surrounding area.

5. Landscape Practices

We implement healthy landscaping practices, focusing on landscape integration and aquatic life preservation, to support the ecological balance of Lake Keowee.

When you choose Kroeger Marine for erosion control, you select a dedicated partner that combines comprehensive expertise with advanced shoreline stabilization systems that enhance the health and longevity of your waterfront environment.

Let’s Protect Your Greatest Property Asset – Your Shoreline

Preserving your property starts at the water’s edge – where the beauty of your lakefront meets the relentlessness of nature. Taking action today with proper shoreline erosion control methods can prevent costly damage later on. Ready to safeguard your shoreline so that it remains vibrant, sustainable, and inviting? Reach out to us for a comprehensive shoreline evaluation and let’s work together to design erosion control strategies that secure your beautiful shoreline for years to come.