CHAPTER XXV 



PLANTS FOR EXPOSED LAKE FRONT AND RIVER 



CONDITIONS 



WE HAVE often noticed plantations along exposed lake fronts and 

 river fronts where normal development seems to have been greatly 

 retarded and a considerable loss from winter-killing has been expe- 

 rienced. A definite problem in the selection of plants adapted to 

 these locations is presented, especially where the prevailing winds 

 during the colder periods in the year are from the water. 



The plant materials listed in this group are selected from those which 

 have been found hardy under the exposed lake front and river front 

 conditions near the Great Lakes and the smaller rivers of the northern 

 portions of the middle west. Many plants which apparently are 

 hardy under the more even and severe climatic conditions of the in- 

 land are not hardy under these water-front conditions. This is largely 

 due to the sudden changes of temperature during the worst of the 

 winter months, and also to the possible effects of the spray freezing on 

 the stems. In general plants which do not ripen their growth until 

 very late in the season are not recommended for use under these 

 conditions. 



No plants, not even the more hardy types of those included in these 

 lists, will adapt themselves to normal conditions of growth as 

 early as the same plants would adapt themselves under inland con- 

 ditions of climate and atmosphere. A greater percentage of loss will be 

 experienced and the only practical method for obtaining a complete 

 planting is by careful addition and replacement during the first three 

 or four years. It is necessary for much of this material to become ac- 

 climated to these more severe conditions, and it may be advisable at 

 times to plant some of the more rapid-growing trqes and shrubs as a 

 partial protection during the first two or three years. 



It is preferable that material used on the steeper slopes of river 

 fronts and lake fronts should possess a deep root system which will 

 aid in protecting the slopes against erosion. If the slopes are steep 



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