While lakes of all sizes can experience a multitude of problems, erosion is often one of the most common and most serious. Even on the calmest of days when water is gently hitting against the shore, erosion is taking place. As erosion continues, the result is a wearing down of the underlying soil, ultimately resulting in the displacement of soil. In some instances, entire banks of soil can slide into the water, which will then present a whole new set of challenges. As to the specific causes of erosion in lakes, here is the truth about what is behind this problem.

Climate Change
As many areas in Florida have started to experience stronger storms that occur more frequently than in years past, experts believe climate change is one of the leading causes of lake erosion. When these storms occur, they disrupt the natural distribution of sediment in lakes, which can result in increased erosion that often requires professional intervention from erosion control companies in Florida such as Crosscreek Environmental Inc. and its team of experts.

Human Activity
From construction and logging activities to simpler tasks such as gardening, human activity is often a leading cause of erosion in lakes across Florida. Since all of these activities disturb topsoil, human-caused erosion can lead to excessive stormwater runoff. In addition, clear-cutting of natural vegetation destroys wildlife habitats, which in turn eliminates the protection given to shorelines by the root structures of plants and shrubs.

Vegetation and Tree Loss
When vegetation and tree loss occur, lake erosion on a much bigger scale is almost a certainty. Along with the root system that binds the soil together, plant cover will also act as a canopy that protects soil from the impact of rain. As a result, water will be absorbed into the soil much more gradually, lessening the chances of erosion. Should you be facing an erosion problem that is caused primarily by tree or vegetation loss, innovative solutions can be found by speaking to erosion control companies in Florida such as Crosscreek Environmental Inc. and its team of experienced lake management professionals.

Land Topography
If you have a lake that is located in an area where the surrounding land is especially steep, this can also play an impactful role in lake erosion. Generally, as the slope length near a lake increases, this results in a greater accumulation of runoff water and subsequently increased erosion.

Tectonic Activity
Though this usually occurs over long periods of time, tectonic activity is also a cause of lake erosion. Since uplifts of the soil can essentially mold the shape of the surrounding landscape, it can be a contributing factor to lake erosion.


If you are experiencing lake erosion, don't assume it is a problem that will clear up on its own. In fact, it will likely only get worse over time. To take charge of the situation and ensure state-of-the-art solutions are implemented, contact Crosscreek Environmental Inc. for an evaluation and price quote. To do so, call 941-479-7811.

While wetlands were once unusable areas of swampland, the thinking concerning them has changed in recent years. Nowadays, wetlands are referred to as "kidneys of the landscape" due to their ability to assist with stormwater purification, erosion control, and sediment filtration. However, to be at their best, wetlands need various types of aquatic plants to help control erosion. If you are wondering which types of aquatic plants are best at helping to control erosion problems in Florida wetlands, the experts here at Crosscreek Environmental Inc. have four plants they highly recommend.

Native Submersed Plants

While many types of submersed plants grow in Florida, many are native to Florida. These include coontail, tape grass, and sago pondweed. Along with providing numerous habitats for fish and wildlife, these plants also are well-known for helping to stabilize sediments and shorelines. Should you want any of these plants for wetlands on your property, visit an aquatic plant nursery in Florida. To get additional information as to which of these plants could work best for you, look to lake and pond management companies in Florida such as Crosscreek Environmental Inc. that have experience in such matters.

Native Emersed Plants

Growing in submersed soil near the edge of water bodies, native emersed plants such as cattails, duck potato, and lemon bacopa all work very well to protect against erosion. Since they can also grow very well in areas where low water levels exist and sediment is exposed, they can protect against erosion while also giving habitat to wildlife and food to waterfowl.

Free-Floating and Floating-Leaved Plants

While these plants are not directly attached to the sediment around the shoreline of wetlands, they are still effective at controlling erosion. In fact, free-floating and floating-leaved plants are especially good at building up sediment around a shoreline, which results in making the body of water more shallow. As for which types may work best for you, visit an aquatic plant nursery in Florida and learn more about such plants as water lily, American lotus, and giant duckweed.

Sedges, Grasses, and Rushes

Though all of the plants in this category look as if they are growing directly out of the water itself, that is not the case. Actually, some are totally submerged, while others are rooted in the sediment around the shoreline. Very good at trapping soil, water, and a multitude of nutrients, these plants are widely considered to be some of the best by lake and pond management companies in Florida at helping to control wetlands erosion. As for specific plants to try, we recommend giant foxtail, soft rush, and Egyptian paspalidium.

Rather than look at wetlands and think there is nothing you can do to control erosion, get expert advice from Crosscreek Environmental Inc. as to which plants may be the best choices. Whether you select water lilies, duck potato, coontail, or many others, you'll be taking the first step to control wetlands erosion. If you need expert guidance on this matter, contact Crosscreek Environmental Inc. at 941-479-7811.

When you have a pond on your property, the feature can contribute to the beautiful scenery and allow you to enjoy having a view of the water. Although ponds are attractive features, they require a lot of management and can serve several purposes. If you want to improve the quality of your pond, there are a few reasons why you should be stocking it with fish.

Recreational Use

One of the main reasons many people add fish to their pond is to enjoy their fishing hobby in their own backyard. It can be fun to get the chance to catch something year-round while spending time outdoors. It also makes for a great way of improving your skill level and spending time with your family members and friends. Some people prefer to stock their pond with fish because it can allow you to harvest better fish. You'll have the chance to walk into the backyard and catch something delicious to eat for dinner without getting a fishing license or having to travel too far.

Keep the Water Environmentally Balanced

Fish stocking with different types of species can allow the water in your pond to remain environmentally balanced throughout the year. Research the different types of fish that are native in the local area to ensure you can reap more benefits. Lake management companies in Florida can provide you with information on the best types of fish to consider.

Improve Fishing Populations

Fish stocking is an effective way to maintain or enhance different populations. They can also be used to consume overabundant forage fish in the pond. Some of the most common types of fish to add to ponds include bluegill, catfish, tilapia, largemouth bass, and triploid carp. Rainbow trout are also a popular option in places like Utah because they're adaptable. The method can even reduce the risk of certain types of species from collapsing in some locations, especially if you tend to fish a lot in the pond.

Control the Growth of Weeds

With fish in your pond, it can allow your weeds to serve as food for proper pond management that can save you time. When combined with herbicide application, you can eliminate harmful weeds that can affect the natural landscape over time. Stocking fish at a smaller size can be more cost-effective and allow you to get more use out of them when maintaining the pond.

Reduce Insect Larvae

Fish are known as predators of mosquito larvae, which can keep pests away during the warmer months of the year. They work well for regulating the insects to ensure you can spend more time outdoors without worrying about getting bit by pests on the property.

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Learning the benefits of stocking your pond with fish can allow you to find a natural way of improving the quality of the water. It can also offer convenience by allowing you to maintain the pond without as much work or energy required each season.

A littoral shelf is a shallow extension, literally shelf-like in shape, that can be found in a body of water such as a lake or pond. This shelf will normally be specially adorned with vegetation of the aquatic variety. This area is usually formed near a structure that handles outflow for the lake or pond that it is located in.

The main purpose of such a shelf will be to filter the nutrients and minerals in the water that could lead to the growth of harmful bacterial and algae blooms. This matter will be filtered out of the pond through a specially built outflow contrivance. As a result of this structure, you save yourself a great deal of time, energy, and money.


Why is Littoral Shelf Planting Essential?

There are a number of very important reasons why the lake or pond on your property will require this special shelf. Littoral shelf planting is one of the actions that you need to take in order to prevent erosion of the shoreline around your water. This prevents the water in your lake or pond coming up to overflow its surrounding banks.

Any reputable and professional lake management company in Florida that you may deal with will also recommend this step for a variety of other reasons. A littoral shelf will help to keep the overflow from storm water running headlong into your water feature. This will prevent the spread of fertilizer that will lead to algae blooms.

Planting a littoral shelf will also help increase the attractiveness and desirability of your water feature. Once in place, the shelf will attract and help to sustain local wildlife, thus ensuring that the area remains healthy and vital.

A littoral shelf will also do wonders for the basic water quality of your lake or pond. This will ensure that the area contributes to the resale value of your property.


Contact Crosscreek Environmental for More Info

Crosscreek Environmental is the foremost lake management company in Florida. Our goal is to provide land and resort owners with state of the art pond and lake care. Whether you require expert algae bloom prevention, littoral shelf planting, or any other form of maintenance, we are here to be of service to you.

We have the knowledge, skills, qualifications, and experience to handle any issue that may arise at your lake or pond. We offer top notch services at a price that won't put a dent in your operating budget. Get in touch with us today to learn more about what we can do on your behalf.

Any time you have a lot of land and live on a large property, you'll need to maintain the setting to ensure it continues to look beautiful each season. Vegetation control is essential for maintaining a lush setting where different species of plants can thrive and to reduce the risk of accidents. If you want to learn more about controlling the vegetation and the benefits it offers, there are a few important facts to understand.

Promotes Safety

Controlling the vegetation not only improves the quality of the landscape but promotes safety for residents or pets who spend time outside. Unwanted vegetation can cover up holes or hazards that are not visible, which can lead to accidents. If weeds or plants become too large, they can even block signs that prevent drivers from remaining safe on the road.

They can even create a place where snakes can hide, which can put other animals at risk while exploring the yard. You may also trip over tree roots if the grass has become too high.

Trimming the trees will also reduce the risk of accidents that can occur due to branches that can break during heavy winds or storms. It can also prevent the branches from damaging nearby powerlines, which can lead to outages. Trimming the trees can also prevent decay from occurring to ensure the trees thrive and look beautiful.

Improves the Appearance of the Property

Vegetation control is also necessary to improve the aesthetics of the property. When weeds, plants, and trees become overgrown, they can create a messy setting that looks neglected. This can actually affect the value of the property and cause it to become an eyesore in the neighborhood.

Overgrown vegetation can also hide specific features or decorative accents that are present in the yard, whether you have a statues or fountains present.

Minimizes Weed Growth

Weeds can threaten any outdoor setting and prevent healthy plants from thriving. Weeds are known as competing vegetation and can take all the resources other plants need to survive, which includes water, nutrients, and sunlight.

Types of Vegetation Control

There are many different types available to ensure you can select a method that is most convenient and effective for your type of property. Mowing and trimming the lawn, trees, and plants every one to two weeks is the most popular option that doesn't require relying on chemicals. This can be a safer method for those with children or pets on the property.

Chemical control is another option that is known to be effective and easy to perform. There are a variety of products available on the market, depending on the types of plants and vegetation you have present in the yard.

Knowing how to control your vegetation and the benefits proper control offers can allow you to improve the care you provide to your yard. It will also increase the quality of your property to ensure you have a more functional and beautiful setting.