Landscaping Ideas For Homes That Border Wetlands

Creating gardens and landscaping near protected wetlands is a unique challenge. Wetlands are fragile ecosystems, and there are often regulations that dictate what you can and can’t plant and install nearby. While restrictions may exist, there are many fun and interesting ways to create lush gardens and stunning landscaping in a yard bordering these natural habitats.

When choosing plants for your wetland-adjacent garden, opt for water-loving species that can tolerate wet soil. You can install a rain garden or build a dry creek bed to improve drainage. Add moisture-loving trees to reduce flood risk. Plant a native species garden, and consider building a small pond or water feature. Before installing landscaping and new plants, check local environmental regulations.

Homes adjacent to a protected wetland offers interesing gardening opportunities but also poses a few challenges. If you recently moved to a home that borders a wetland, or you can’t seem to keep plants alive in this environment, read below for a list of creative ways to utilize your outdoor space when you live next to a wetland.

13 Landscaping Tips And Ideas For Homes Bordering A Wetland

1. Water-Loving Plants For Low-Lying Sections

If you live next to a wetland, you need to find ways to keep your yard and home dry. One natural way to reduce moisture in your yard and near your home's foundation is to incorporate plants that love and absorb moisture in abundance. If you’re looking for flowering plants, consider the blue flag iris or cardinal flower. Various ferns and shrubs love saturated soil and can help reduce flooding in your yard.

2. Install Shrubs And Thorny Plants To Keep Animals Away

In addition to the moisture that protected wetlands bring, you also need to consider the wildlife. Rodents, reptiles, and wild cats are just a few animals you don’t want wandering into your yard from their natural habitat. While fencing is the most effective way to keep these pests out, you can also add landscaping to create a natural barrier and deterrent. Dense shrubs and hedges, as well as thorny and sharp-leafed plants, are effective at keeping large and small animals out of your yard. 

3. Create A Rain Garden

One fantastic way to embrace your unique environment is to build a rain garden in your yard. You can construct it in any of the low-lying spaces in your yard, especially any area that collects water when it rains. Plant water-loving species like wetland grasses, as well as moisture-loving shrubs and flowers. Placing all these species helps prevent flooding, and it is a great way to use space in your yard that is otherwise hard to garden.

4. Build Elevated Pathways With Drainage

When your yard borders a wetland, you may have a soft, wet lawn that can get muddy very quickly. To avoid walking through mud, build elevated, well-drained pathways. You can add thick concrete slabs or a lifted wooden boardwalk to avoid walking on soppy ground. Install drainage on both sides of the path to keep it dry, even after a rainstorm. These pathways will help keep your home clean and make your yard more accessible year-round.

5. Create A Dry Creek Bed 

The threat of flooding and stagnant water is often much higher when you live next to a wetland environment. You’ll want to find ways to add more drainage in your yard to reduce flood risk. One great DIY drainage option for these environments is a dry creek bed.  By digging a pathway and adding river rocks, you can create a dry river, where rain runoff can collect and move away from your home. To make these drainage systems look stunning to the eye, plant various water-loving plants.

6. Install Terraced Gardens

Terraced gardens offer many benefits, especially in yards with abundant moisture. For one, they are fantastic at preventing erosion and improving soil drainage. The multiple levels of these gardens help control water flow and reduce intense rainwater runoff, which can speed up erosion.

They are also dynamic, adding height and style to your yard in a way that few other landscaping methods can. A terraced garden is also a great way to maximize space in smaller yards by using vertical space. If you’re worried about erosion and want to add some style to your wetland yard, a terraced garden is a great option.

7. Use Raised Garden Beds For Plants With Specific Needs

One challenge with land near wetlands is that the soil is too flooded for many plants to survive. Some plants and vegetables are prone to becoming waterloged and developing root rot. Mold is also more common in this kind of soil. If you want to plant various species without worrying about them drowning or rotting, build raised garden beds. They allow you to control soil type and moisture levels, and can even help keep many garden pests out. Building this garden is a straightforward and adorable DIY project that can help add order to your outdoor space.

8. Create A Small Pond

Natural water features can be a fun way to embrace a wetland backyard. A small pond will attract birds and other pollinators, and you can even plant water lilies and other aquatic plants. You can build a small pond using a large basin, or even an old bathtub. Before you buy the supplies, however, ensure this type of water feature is permitted.

9. Install A Native Plant Garden

If you aren’t sure what kind of plants to add to your yard, keeping things local and native is almost always a good idea. Native plants that thrive in wetlands are easy to care for and usually do a great job of combating erosion. These species are also usually permitted, even if your local environmental regulations are strict. They also require less maintenance and are more resistant to local pests and diseases than other plants.

10. Add Bird Feeders And Houses 

One of the top perks of living near a wetland is the bird-watching opportunities it presents. To ensure you see and protect your favorite bird species, consider building or buying specialized birdhouses and feeders to attract them to your yard. Birds are great pollinators, and can also help keep several wetland pests at bay.

11. Add Water-Loving Trees To Reduce Flood Risk

Planting trees is a smart idea if you want to add shade to your yard. Several tree species are particularly great for homes that border wetlands, as they suck up a ton of excess moisture in the soil, making the ground more solid and safe for other plant species. Willows, bald cypress, and red maples are just a few of the best trees to plant to help reduce flooding and stagnant water in your lawn.

12. Incorporate Wetland Grasses Near The Property Line

Ornamental grasses can be a fantastic addition to your yard when it borders a wetland. These plants have strong, compact roots that help combat erosion and keep large animals out of your yard. They make great decorations along your property line and are a good alternative to hedges for privacy, as they tolerate wet soil better than many shrubs.

13. Check Environmental Regulations Before Making Changes

Lastly, there are often environmental regulations set by your local and state governments regarding what you can and can’t do in yards bordering wetlands. Before you plan any landscaping projects or plant any trees or perennials, read the local regulations. Some plants and structures may be prohibited, and there are often rules about how close you can place certain landscaping features to a property line.

Wrapping Up Landscape Ideas For Homes Bordering Wetlands

If you live in a home that borders a wetland, you have the benefit of privacy, but gardening and several landscaping tasks can be more challenging. If the soil in your yard is always saturated, consider installing a rain garden, planting native plants that love moisture, and trees that absorb a lot of water. 

Ornamental grasses and terraced gardens are great ways to prevent soil erosion. You can build a dry creek bed to prevent flooding and improve soil drainage in your yard, and consider raised pathways to make your yard more accessible. Always check local environmental regulations before adding new plants or installing landscaping near a protected wetland.

Related Guides:

• Best Plants For Flood-Prone Yards
• Garden Ideas For People Living In Areas With Lots Of Fog
• Red Flags To Look For When Hiring A Landscaper