{"id":26143,"date":"2024-06-26T11:36:30","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T15:36:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/?p=26143"},"modified":"2026-04-21T14:25:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:25:12","slug":"summer-2024-the-guide-to-coastal-living","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ncseagrant.ncsu.edu\/coastwatch\/summer-2024-the-guide-to-coastal-living\/","title":{"rendered":"The Guide to Coastal Living"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n
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Upkeep and maintenance are key for preserving the life of bulkheads. Photo credit: Carter Smith.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bulkheads have been popular, but these structures come with a number of negatives.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n

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Bulkheads are vertical retaining walls designed to hold land in place by creating a distinct separation between land and water. Bulkheads, seawalls, and revetments are similar hard structures, also known as \u201cgray,\u201d \u201carmored,\u201d or \u201chardened\u201d shorelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In North Carolina, bulkheads typically are composed of concrete, steel, wood, or vinyl. Generally, installation involves piledriving or pressure-jetting a pillar into the sediment and placing a vertical wall behind it. The vertical wall often has a lining of filter cloth with buried anchors. The landward side of the wall is then filled with sand and usually landscaped with lawn grasses that may not be eco-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bulkheads can withstand the impacts from mild, low-energy waves but become progressively weaker over time, especially in moderate and high-energy areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At locations with marinas, narrow canals, deep water, or buildings close to the water\u2019s edge, a bulkhead might be the only option. Some homeowners install bulkheads because they prefer the aesthetics over a natural intertidal look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historically, bulkheads have been popular, but today we know that these structures have a number of negative consequences. In many situations there are better and cost-effective options, like living shorelines, that are more suitable and reliable for controlling erosion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bulkheads sometimes are cheaper to install, but the long-term costs of maintenance can be steep. Photo credit: Mariko Polk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What are the drawbacks of bulkheads?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Costly Maintenance<\/em>
Compared to other options, bulkheads sometimes are cheaper to install; however, the long-term costs of maintenance can be four times as expensive as other choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increased Damage During Storms
<\/em>Bulkheads also suffer storm damage at a higher rate than other options. Storm damage often happens when waves overtop the bulkhead and cause scouring. Storm damage can also occur during intense wave energy against the wall of the bulkhead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Risky Construction
<\/em>Bulkheads can make areas appear safer than they actually are, which can result in home construction in locations that actually are high-risk. This can lead to unnecessary dangers for residents and property. Coastal residents should stay informed when choosing where to live and know the risks of storm surge and flooding, especially when living close to the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loss of Sediment and Erosion
<\/em>Bulkheads can cause loss of sediment and erosion when wave energy reflects off them. Wave energy at the ends of bulkheads and in front of them also can scour away sand and bottom habitat. Bulkheads can erode the shorelines next to them as well, negatively affecting neighboring properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Loss of Wetlands
<\/em>By cutting off the connection between land and water, bulkheads result in the loss of valuable wetland habitat that wildlife, fisheries, and economies depend on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bulkheads have a life expectancy of about 25 years, depending on their composition and location — and their maintenance. Photo credit: Carter Smith.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

What maintenance tips can extend the life of a bulkhead?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

How often a bulkhead is exposed to major storms, harsh wind and wave conditions, and stormwater runoff can influence how long it lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bulkheads have a life expectancy of about 25 years, depending on their composition and location — and their maintenance. The following practices can extend the life of a bulkhead and\/or save money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Planning for the Future
<\/em>Be prepared for the future cost of replacing or repairing your bulkhead. When and if your bulkhead needs to be replaced, assess site conditions to see if your shoreline is suitable for a living shoreline instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Growing a Shoreline Border
<\/em>Lawn grasses have shallow roots that do little to reduce erosion. Leaving or adding at least a 5-foot strip of plants running the length of the bulkhead will increase erosion protection. (See p. 12 of the Coastal Landscape Initiative\u2019s NC Coastal Landscaping Designs<\/em><\/a> on shoreline borders.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Choosing the Right Plants
<\/em>Select native grasses and perennials have adapted to the soils and climate where you live. Plants hold soil in place and reduce the loss of sediment; if the bulkhead is in brackish or salty water, choose salt-tolerant plants. Avoid planting trees and shrubs with 10 feet of a bulkhead, though, because the roots of some trees and shrubs can damage buried parts of the structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regular Monitoring
<\/em>Inspect bulkheads seasonally, as well as before and after storms. Take pictures from many angles before and after storm events to catalog changes. Look for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n