EGLE, which is formally known as the DEQ, is the agency involved in permitting shoreline stabilization.

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.

This home on Torch Lake turned out fantastic.

This was a great project for Wilhelm. It is a gem of a lakeshore property in Northern Lower Michigan. The crew did a great job and hats off to our suppliers as well. From the water to the road, this remodeled home has all the bells and whistles you would expect.

The owner wanted a stone wall out by the road. Something reflective of an old English rock wall with plants and imperfections to make it seem as if it was there for centuries.

It would have large boulders and turn back and forth across the road side property line. This was a special project for our stone masons and they really pulled it off.

Stone caps were installed to accommodate lights at the entrance.

This whole project was a special feather in our cap. The attention to detail helped create a beautiful entrance and what the owner envisioned when he came to Wilhelm Landscapes.

Wilhelm Landscapes’ hardscaping is unmatched in Northern Lower Michigan. We are the go-to company when you are in need of that special touch to your lakefront project. We are often called to fix other companies work. The clients always say “I should have called you first”. Experience and reputation are what we offer. Your project deserves the best. Contact Wilhelm for a site visit today.

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.

Plants can be added to the design to strengthen the protections because of the root structure. This can also add beauty and interest to the 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.

Wilhelm Landscapes Designs Builds and Installs Custom Fireplaces

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.

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.

Retaining Walls

 Retaining walls are generally needed to create a flat space on a hillside.

 This creates usable space that wasn’t existing. Another reason is to open up a lower area in a building. Like a walk out basement or an egress window. Driveways are another example of keeping higher elevations back or retained.

Retaining walls can be rocks, slabs or even wood. Fabricated concrete slabs are a common solution, especially for large projects. While wood can be an immediate and less costly solution, we are often called to replace a wood retaining wall that has begun to fall apart.

Wilhelm landscapes is one of the only Northern Michigan Landscaping companies to own and mine our Lake Superior Boulder from the U. P.

Our boulders are not just big, they are full of colors and veins which make your retaining wall more interesting and beautiful.

Having a great design is paramount in establishing your retaining needs.

Wilhelm Landscapes will walk you through every step of what it takes to hold back a steep portion of your property. It’s as easy as contacting wilhelmlandscapes@gmail.com

Beach Sanding

Wilhelm Landscapes has the finest beach sand. This is perfect for that final touch to your Northern Michigan Lakefront.

One important decision when installing beach sand is the balance between access to the water and shoreline protection. In some instances, the beach sand flows directly into the water. In others, the shoreline protection is continuous across the frontage and steps are introduced as an access to the water.

Even if you already have a beach, when renovating your landscape, beach sanding can be an affordable way to spruce up or even enlarge your beach.

You have decided to live on the water, why not invest in making it the beach of your dreams. Install new beach sanding with Wilhelm Landscapes.

Patio Pavers

Wilhelm Landscapes, Northern Michigan’s leader in design/build lake front landscaping, can walk you through the many options when choosing a patio paver.

There are many options to consider when choosing a material for a patio or walkway. Cost can often be a major reason to select one paver over another. But there are many other reasons to consider different options.

Natural or Manufactured Pavers

The biggest difference in choosing natural over manufactured pavers is cost. Wilhelm landscapes is well versed in both applications. While natural offers beautiful color variation and surfaces, manufactured have really progressed in aesthetic value and durability. High Format is one company Wilhelm Landscapes has worked with for many years. Their products are formed of concrete and other additives to make them stronger and lighter. The result can often be mistaken for natural. The cost reduction from natural can be significant especially with larger patios or walks.

Dimensional or Irregular

Often, if a project already has pavers that are dimensional or irregular, it is usually best to carry through that design. However, with a clean slate, generally, irregular is a little more rustic or less formal. Dimensional pavers can be uniform in size, over vary from large to medium to small pavers. Beyond that, the options for layouts can vary as well. Wilhelm Landscapes has experienced installers that understand the process. Patterns are usually pretty straight forward but can vary from paver selected.

Including a border is another consideration. Rectangular shaped pavers when used as a border, can be perpendicular (soldier course) or parallel to the field of the patio or walk. The theme of the design can often dictate the appropriate border. For example, they can be the same color of the field, or a sharp contrasting value that creates interest.

Modern Design

Occasionally, local jurisdictions may require a design that addresses runoff from a patio or walk. Design can play a part in satisfying these ordinances. Permeable pavers describe a design that allows rain runoff to soak into the ground between the pavers. Some nice modern designs include pavers spaced by grass or stones which can also be considered permeable.

 At any design consultation with Wilhelm Landscapes, we will go over all of the options for paving. After understanding your cost priorities, we can suggest the best solution for your patio or walk.

Contact Wilhelm Landscapes for all of your paver project questions. We look forward to making your landscaping dreams come true.

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.

Wilhelm Landscapes Design Service

Wilhelm design service offers you the personal touch to show you a conceptual design of your landscaping project.

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.