Spring is in the air at Smith Mountain Lake! Well, not quite, but you can begin to sense that spring is just around the corner. With the recent monster snow storm and very wet fall, many lakefront homeowners are thinking about spring clean up! As visions of landscaping dance in your head, there are a few extra considerations to make when you have the pleasure of living on the water!
Let's talk trees! One of the reasons most people buy lakefront property is for the view! As you turn an eye to landscaping, don't forget to carefully plan where you are planting your trees. Knowing how tall a tree will grow and how wide its branches will spread is key in maintaining your line of sight to the water.
You also have to remember that there may be some restrictions to the plants and trees you can remove from your waterfront property. For Smith Mountain Lake residents there are no significant regulations for removing vegetation above the 800 foot contour line. What that basically means is the normal lake level for Smith Mountain Lake is 795 feet above sea level. So on most lots, to avoid the "Project Boundary" (the AEP regulates this area between the lake level and the 800 foot line) you will need work to be five VERITICAL feet above the lake. The usually comes to about 10-15 feet back from the waterline.
Trees do enhance the look and value of your lot, so you want to maintain them. You can get help from a local landscaper to help with tree trimming and removal. Now some neighborhoods may have home owner association rules on tree removal and trimming, so be sure and check with your HOA to find out if there are any restrictions for your area.
If you are clearing a wooded lot, you will have to apply for an Erosion and Sediment permit. There are certain ways erosion has to be controlled at a work site. Again, this is where using a local contractor will come in handy. They should be well aware of any permits needed to clear a lakefront wooded lot. They will also be familiar with typical lakefront erosion controls such as silt fences. You can find out more about what you might need for different types of project through the Smith Mountain Lake Association.
There is nothing like living on the water! Come for a visit, if you like it then move here. For questions about lakeside living or if you are looking for a yard of your own to landscape, call Vicki Millehan! She is a long time agent and resident of Smith Mountain Lake.
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