June 22, 2025 at 12:53 pm
In the past few years, EGLE has changed their requirements for shoreline stabilization in Michigan, especially inland lakes. They have leaned strongly toward implementing plantings to achieve the desired effect.

Coir logs are a coconut fiber product that has become the design of choice for EGLE. While there are benefits to aquatic life and overall stabilization over time, the permanence and durability, especially in high wave action conditions, is often not as effective as boulders or rip rap.
Adding plants that have properties of root structures that enhance the strength of the shoreline is a good method to strengthen a rip rap protected shoreline. There can in fact be benefits to some aquatic life within a rip rap design. EGLE has recently changed the rules for rip rap to have a slope with a more gradual height to length proportion.
Smaller boulders are also now required. While Great Lakes shorelines have some flexibility to these regulations, especially in high action and ice, the Army Corp. of Engineers take precedent in allowing larger boulders or a steeper design.

Wilhelm Landscapes will take care of all necessary permit applications for your shoreline protection. We are Northern Lower Michigan’s premiere design/build company for protecting your waterfront property. Our experience in determining the most practical design can save you time and money. The last thing a homeowner needs is to be contacting a lesser installer because the shoreline protection has failed. Erosion is a serious threat to the value of your property. Be assured you have hired a professional firm that has seen it all. Contact Wilhelm Landscapes today.
April 27, 2025 at 6:53 pm
April 10, 2025 at 12:11 pm

Wilhelm Landscapes has built hundreds of rip-rap shoreline protection designs across Northern Lower Michigan.

Rip rap is a commonly used term to describe rocks or boulders that are used to protect a shoreline. Wilhelm Landscapes harvests our boulders from the upper peninsula. We truck them down to our shop in Kalkaska. Then deliver them to the site for installation. These boulders are used to protect the shoreline on lakes such as Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Skegemog, Clam Lake and more. We also have installed many projects on Lake Michigan and both Grand Traverse Bays.

Rip Rap can be used in combination with Limestone and smaller rocks. Rip rap has a proven track record of protecting Northern Michigan Shorelines from erosion. Every site is different and deserves the attention to detail that Wilhelm Landscape provides to every project.

While EGLE has specific regulations for inland lakes there can be exceptions for a project on Lake Michigan. Inland lakes normally require a 1:3 ratio of height to width as well as an 18″ diameter maximum. Because of ice mostly, the circumstances of a shoreline on Lake Michigan can call for a steeper and larger design.

Wilhelm Landscapes can install a functional and beautiful rip rap seawall to your shoreline as we have for over 25 years. This experience assures you that the work will be done properly and without failures. Whether you need a new seawall or to have your existing protection to be improved or fixed, call us today to arrange a site visit. Your property is a huge investment, make sure you are working with a company that has the experience and references to put your mind at ease. Wilhelm Landscapes is Northern Michigan’s premiere installer of rip rap shoreline protection.
March 30, 2025 at 8:33 pm

A fireplace can be an attractive alternative to a firepit. Often, the materials used can mimic the home. There are lots of alternatives to cover the finished design. In Northern Michigan a stone look is most appropriate. However, they can be finished with stucco, brick veneer or full stones.

The fireplace design often starts with a fully functional kit. This is set on a foundation, and the kit is then covered with the chosen materials. Wilhelm can show you designs and help you decide what materials and size would be best for your home.


Contact Wilhelm Landscapes to discuss how a freestanding fireplace can boost the value of your home as well as the fun. A fireplace has long been the heart of every home. Now you can bring that tradition outdoors. Call us today.

August 25, 2024 at 3:59 pm
Paver Driveways

Brick Paver Driveways are a way to add flare to your landscaping project. In most cases, the paver selection can carry throughout the site as walkways or patios.

This design incorporates pavers of different colors, adding additional interest. More attractive than concrete or asphalt, paver driveways are a beautiful way to enter your property.

This project included a heating element under the brick pavers. A nice plus for a Northern Michigan winter. There are many choices of colors, shape and surfaces. Contact Wilhelm Landscapes and let us show you the endless possibilities with a brick paver driveway.

February 26, 2024 at 9:03 pm
Wilhelm Landscapes can prepare and apply for all permits needed for your project.

If your project contains shoreline protection, you will need to obtain a number of permits. Environment, Great Lakes and Energy is the agency that oversees shoreline protection. This agency reviews the design and activities. on any body of water in Michigan. This process can often involve additional design drawings. This process can be somewhat difficult and also can change in it’s requirements. Wilhelm Landscapes can obtain this and all required permits to assure the compliance of your shoreline protection. Shoreline protection on the Great Lakes, including Grand Traverse Bays, are subject to a permit from the Army Corp. of Engineers.

Bio-Engineered Shoreline Protection
EGLE has recently looked favorably on shoreline protection that has specific natural elements to soften the impact to natural shorelines. Wilhelm Landscapes has built many of these Bio-Engineered designs.

The term Seawall is no longer used to describe rocks or slabs to protect the shoreline. It is still used to describe vinyl or steel panels which are mostly used in commercial projects such as marinas.

All projects within 500 feet of water will also need a soil erosion permit. These are issued by the county. It mostly insures there will be erosion prevention on projects so that run off into the water from activity is minimized.

Your specific township may also require a Land Use Permit. Depending on your township, the application process for these permits can be extensive. Wilhelm will follow up on any and all necessary drawings and applications.

Contact Wilhelm Landscapes with your shoreline protection project. EGLE and Army Corp. permits can take up to 6 month to obtain. It is best to get these applications in as soon as possible. Contact us with any questions.

December 17, 2023 at 8:57 pm
Wilhelm Landscapes Design Service

Wilhelm is Northern Lower Michigan’s premiere design service landscaping company. We visit your site, discuss options with you and send you the appropriate conceptual design illustrations to convey our intention to employ our expertise to make your project exactly what you would hope for.


Wilhelm prides itself on delivering the most professional design service to assure you of the peace of mind in going forward with a design installation.

Contact Wilhelm Landscapes to set up a site visit. The design fee is refunded from your signed contract.

Contact us today to get the whole process started.