Shoreline erosion is a common problem where animals stir up the edges of farm pond banks, or where the soil type is sandy. Preventing shoreline erosion can be done a couple of ways: Either by using riprap, or by planting wetland plants along the shoreline. Creating riprap involves using large stones to cover the shoreline, thus preventing further erosion—but it can make it harder for livestock to access the pond. Choose riprap to discourage muskrats or other wildlife from digging in the banks, or to protect it from animal traffic.
Where animals need access to the water, wetland plants may be a better alternative. Cattails are a common option, but look around for wetland plants native to your region if you’d like something that grows shorter or provides other benefits. Wetland plant root systems bind soil in place where it is needed most—at and below the waterline, which is where shoreline erosion is often most prominent.
