Beach grass, specifically American Beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata), is a hardy, perennial grass native to the Great Lakes and Atlantic coastlines. It is widely recognized for its ability to stabilize sand dunes and prevent coastal erosion. The grass grows in clumps and features a deep, extensive network of underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes act like natural rebar, holding the shifting sands in place from below, while the tall blades trap wind-blown sand above, helping to build and expand the dunes over time. As the beach grass grows, the dead leaves from previous years lay flat across the surface, creating a natural protective layer that helps shield the top layer of sand from wind and erosion.

Beach grass is the most effective and natural way to protect your Lake Michigan shoreline from erosion. Its deep root system (rhizomes) acts like "natural rebar," locking shifting sand in place. Above ground, the blades trap wind-blown sand, which not only stops your dune from disappearing but actually helps it grow and strengthen over time. It is a permanent, beautiful, and no-maintenance solution for dune protection.

Timing is critical for survival. The best times are during the dormant seasons when the weather is cool and moist:
- Spring Planting: April through May.
- Fall Planting: Mid-October until the ground freezes.
Planting during these windows ensures the roots can establish themselves before the heat of summer or the deep freeze of winter. We can also supply watering systems to help support out-of-season planting when conditions are drier or less ideal.

The scientific name is Ammophila breviligulata, but it is commonly called Beach Grass, Dune Grass, or Marram Grass. In the Great Lakes region, these names are used interchangeably. It is a native perennial specifically adapted to thrive in sandy, wind-swept environments.

The cost depends on the size of your area,  and how closely the grass needs to be spaced to stop erosion. We offer free estimates to provide a custom quote. Because beach grass is a permanent solution with no ongoing maintenance costs, it is one of the most cost-effective investments you can make for your shoreline property.
Typical costs range from $0.84-$1.94 per square foot.

No! This is one of the biggest selling points for homeowners. Once established (usually within 1–4 years), beach grass is a "set-it-and-forget-it" landscape. It requires no mowing, no regular watering, and very little upkeep. It is a tough, native plant designed to thrive in the harsh Lake Michigan environment without human intervention.

Spacing is determined by the severity of your erosion:
- 12"x 12" spacing is for flat areas where erosion is minor. Offers a cost effective alternative to areas where slopes are minor with some erosion protection.
- 8"x 8" spacing is for moderate erosion areas and offers fast plant maturity. We recommend 8"x8" in most situations and is what we plant the most of. Offers great stability to dunes with moderate to steep slopes.
- 6"x 6" spacing is for high erosion areas and offers faster plant maturity. This spacing is also commonly used for landscaping when tightly planted grass is desired.
We plant culms (stems) roughly 8 inches deep to ensure the roots stay moist and protected from the sun.

If planted during our recommended spring or fall seasons, natural rainfall is usually enough. However, if Michigan experiences an unseasonably dry spell right after installation, a little supplemental water can help the roots take hold. Once the grass is established, it is highly drought-tolerant and does not need watering.

Dune planting is physically demanding and technical. Professional installation ensures the correct planting depth and spacing, which are vital for the grass to survive and effectively stop erosion. We use high-quality, native Michigan stock and have the experience to handle steep, unstable dunes safely and efficiently.

For simple hand-planting of native grass, a permit is often not required. However, if your project involves heavy machinery, earthmoving, or is located in a designated Critical Dune Area (CDA) or High-Risk Erosion Area (HREA), you may need a permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). We can help you determine if your project requires regulatory oversight.

When planted at the recommended 8-inch spacing, beach grass will typically fill in and create a dense, stable cover within 1 to 3 years. It spreads via underground rhizomes, naturally filling in the gaps between the original plantings.

Yes! We provide expert dune restoration and beach grass planting services all along the West Michigan shoreline. Give us a call to see if we can service your area.

Lake Michigan water levels fluctuate over decades. During high-water years, wave action can "eat away" at the base of your dune (toe erosion). During low-water years, wind becomes the primary threat, blowing sand away from your property. Beach grass is the only natural solution that protects your property during both cycles by anchoring the sand and building height to resist wave overtopping.

Absolutely. American Beachgrass is a non-toxic, native plant. Unlike some ornamental grasses or treated lawns, it does not require pesticides or herbicides once established, making it a safe, natural environment for dogs and kids to be around.

Beach grass provides a natural habitat for local wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects. While it creates a more "wild" look than a manicured lawn, it does not specifically attract pests like ticks or mosquitoes more than any other native vegetation. In fact, a healthy dune ecosystem helps maintain a balance of local species.

Yes! Beach grass is incredibly resilient. It enters a dormant state during the winter, and its deep root system remains active underground, holding your dune together even when hit by heavy snow and gale-force winds. The standing brown stalks continue to trap blowing snow and sand all winter long, adding to your dune's mass.

While they look similar, Sea Oats (Uniola paniculata) are primarily found in the southern U.S. (like Florida and the Carolinas). American Beachgrass is the native species specifically adapted to the colder climate and unique sand composition of Lake Michigan. Planting Sea Oats in Michigan is not recommended as they cannot survive our harsh winters.

Yes. Invasive species like Baby's Breath (Gypsophila paniculata) and Spotted Knapweed can take over dunes, but they don't provide the same erosion protection as native grass. By planting a dense, healthy stand of American Beachgrass, you create competition that makes it harder for these invasive plants to take root, preserving the natural integrity of the Michigan shoreline.

A blowout is a sandy depression caused by the removal of vegetation, where wind quickly hollows out the dune. If left untreated, blowouts can threaten the foundation of nearby homes. We specialize in "healing" blowouts by installing high-density beach grass plantings to trap sand and fill the hole naturally over time.

We use a low-impact, manual method to protect the integrity of your property. We plant exclusively by hand using specialized planting sticks. This allows us to navigate steep or sensitive areas without the need for heavy machinery that could disrupt the fragile dune structure or cause further erosion.

Beach grass roots are sensitive to heat and drying out. During the planting process, we keep all our grass in protective white bags. These bags reflect the sun and trap moisture, keeping the plants cool and hydrated until the moment they are placed into the sand. This attention to detail is one of the reasons our survival rates are so high.

Dunes are dynamic environments. Sometimes, a particularly harsh storm or a high-traffic area might result in small patches of grass dying off. Our Fill Planting service is designed for these exact situations. Instead of a full-scale project, we come out and "fill in" the gaps. We charge by the bag for this service, making it a flexible and affordable way to keep your dune's protection at 100%.

(616) 350-1618