Protect your waterfront from erosion without sacrificing its beauty.
Your shoreline is the most valuable—and vulnerable—part of your property. In Northern and Central Minnesota, ice heaving, wave action, and storm runoff constantly threaten to eat away at your land. We understand that a stable shoreline isn’t just about stacking rocks; it’s about preserving the very reason you bought the property in the first place.
Unlike general landscapers who apply a “one-size-fits-all” approach to rip-rap, we analyze the specific energy of your lake, the slope of your bank, and the local regulations. We balance the need for hard armor (rock) with the soft aesthetic of native vegetation to create a resilient, natural buffer.
Choose Custom Forestry for a solution that halts erosion immediately while enhancing the natural transition from land to water.
Ice Heave Repair
Native Buffer Zones
Restoration
Rip-Rap Installation
DNR Compliance
We are different
Experience means we respect the water’s edge. Working on a shoreline requires a delicate touch—too aggressive, and you destabilize the bank; too passive, and the lake takes over.
We help you pivot from losing ground to gaining peace of mind. Our low-impact equipment allows us to access difficult shorelines without tearing up your yard or destroying the surrounding forest. We specialize in “surgical” clearing to open up lake views while leaving the deep-rooted trees that hold the bank together.
Whether you need to repair ice damage, install protective rip-rap, or clear a path to the dock, we deliver a shoreline that is both fortified against the elements and inviting to you and your guests.
We’d love to hear from you. How can we help?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for shoreline work?
Almost always. Shoreline alterations in Minnesota are strictly regulated by the DNR and local watershed districts. We are familiar with these regulations and can help guide you through the permitting process to ensure your project is compliant and environmentally sound.
What is “rip-rap” and why do I need it?
Rip-rap consists of natural fieldstone or angular rock placed along the shoreline to absorb wave energy and prevent soil erosion. It is the most effective way to stop the bank from slumping into the lake, especially on wind-swept shores.
Can you clear trees for a better lake view without damaging the shoreline?
Yes, but it must be done carefully. We specialize in selective thinning—removing underbrush and lower limbs to create a “filtered view” of the lake. This maintains privacy and the root structure necessary to prevent bank collapse, unlike clear-cutting which can lead to severe erosion.
How do you prevent damage to the lake while working?
We use specialized silt fences and erosion control logs during construction to prevent sediment from running into the water. Our equipment is designed to minimize ground disturbance, preserving the water quality and your property’s natural state.
* AI may have been used to generate some images on this page