Waterfront Landscaping Projects That Can Maximize Your Property

Oct 19

Written By

Waterfront living along the Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline is unmatched. Panoramic views, salt-kissed breezes, and the sense that your property is part of something timeless. But coastal homeownership also comes with a responsibility: protecting your land, structures, and investment from the relentless forces of water, wind, and time.

With over 25 years of coastal construction experience, K.E. Braza Construction, a third-generation, family-owned company, has helped homeowners from Stonington to Westbrook, and across Narragansett Bay safeguard their waterfront properties. This guide walks you through proven strategies for drainage, erosion control, seawall construction, dock rebuilding, and more, all designed to increase property value and preserve your shoreline for decades.

1. Understand the Coastal Landscape Before You Build or Renovate

The Connecticut and Rhode Island shoreline spans tidal marshes, saltwater coves, sandy beaches, and rocky bluffs, each with unique maintenance needs. A plan that works for a sheltered inlet in Mystic might fail entirely on the open-water edge of Clinton Harbor.

Common environmental challenges for shoreline homeowners include:

Coastal erosion from wave action, runoff, and ice movement
Flooding during heavy rain, snowmelt, or storm surge
Soil instability on steep or uneven lots
Saltwater damage to plants, foundations, and outdoor materials
Regulatory restrictions tied to FEMA flood zones and wetland setbacks

K.E. Braza’s local knowledge helps navigate both the physical challenges and the permitting process, so your investment stands strong against the next nor’easter or hurricane.

2. Drainage & Erosion Control: The First Layer of Protection

Without proper drainage, even the most beautiful waterfront landscape can shift, sink, or wash away in a single storm.

Install French drains to manage runoff — These gravel-filled trenches with perforated piping carry water away from foundations and vulnerable slopes. Combining them with permeable pavers filters stormwater naturally and prevents pooling on patios and walkways.
Use native deep-rooted plants as soil anchors — Species like switchgrass, little bluestem, and bayberry thrive in coastal conditions while holding soil in place. In Branford and Watch Hill, integrating native plant buffers has reduced erosion and improved shoreline resilience.
Reinforce banks with riprap or integrated seawalls — In high-energy zones, strategically placed stone barriers absorb wave impact. Learn more about durable shoreline defenses in our seawall repair and construction services.
Add terraced rain gardens in low-lying areas — These landscaped depressions slow down and absorb runoff, filtering pollutants before they reach the water.

3. Seawalls & Retaining Walls: Defending Your Shoreline and Yard

When erosion threatens your property line, seawalls and retaining walls provide a structural shield between your land and the water.

Assess when a seawall is needed — Signs include receding shorelines, collapsing edges, or storm tides reaching your lawn. Read more in our guide to seawall repair & reconstruction.
Choose the right seawall material for your location — Riprap for a natural look, poured concrete for high-impact zones, or modular block systems for versatile applications. Compare your options in our coastal protection materials guide.
Install retaining walls for slope management — Retaining walls transform steep yards into usable terraces for patios, gardens, or safe pathways to the water. Professionally engineered walls also redirect runoff, protecting structures from foundation damage.

A properly installed seawall or retaining wall can last decades, reclaim lost yard space, and boost property value by 10–15% in coastal markets.

4. Dock Rebuilds & Marine Construction: Access Meets Durability

For many waterfront homeowners, a dock is the heart of their shoreline lifestyle. But docks in CT and RI face constant wear from ice movement, storms, and salt exposure.

Use marine-grade materials — Composite decking, treated pilings, and stainless hardware stand up to salt and UV better than untreated wood.
Plan for ice and storm resilience — Removable or floating dock systems help prevent seasonal damage in locations like Groton Long Point or Point Judith.
Integrate shoreline protection into dock projects — Our marine and dock construction services can incorporate erosion control measures during rebuilds to save future repair costs.

5. Demolition & Site Prep: Clearing the Way for a Stronger Build

Sometimes the safest way to protect your shoreline property is to start fresh, especially if structures are already compromised by flooding, erosion, or foundation failure.

Selective demolition for unsafe structures — Remove only what’s damaged while preserving viable components. Learn more in how to prepare for a residential demolition project.
Grading and excavation for water management — Proper site prep can redirect stormwater before it reaches foundations. See our excavation services for drainage-friendly grading techniques.
Foundation upgrades during rebuilds — Incorporating helical pile foundations can ensure stability on soft or shifting coastal soils.

6. Flood-Compliance Upgrades to Protect Structures & Lower Costs

With FEMA flood maps affecting much of the CT and RI shoreline, elevating or reinforcing homes can prevent catastrophic damage and may reduce insurance premiums.

House lifting for flood mitigation — Lifting a structure above base flood elevation is often the most effective way to protect it long-term. Explore your options in our house lifting services.
Foundation reinforcement for storm resistance — Helical piles and reinforced concrete bases resist washout during surge events. Learn more in our foundation installation & repair services.
Waterproofing and drainage integration — Pair elevation with sealed lower levels and sump systems to keep interiors dry.

7. Outdoor Living Spaces That Stand Up to Coastal Conditions

Once your shoreline is secure, you can focus on creating functional, beautiful spaces that withstand the elements.

Moisture- and salt-resistant materials — Bluestone patios, porcelain pavers, and composite decking resist staining, warping, and UV fading.
Wind-resistant anchoring systems — Secure pergolas, furniture, and shade structures to withstand gusts common in places like Block Island Sound.
Multi-level designs for space efficiency — Terraced decks and stone staircases, like one we built in Old Saybrook, can connect a home to its dock while preserving sightlines to the water.

8. Planting for Longevity: Natives That Protect and Beautify

More than just an appearance, landscaping in a coastal environment is about durability and environmental compatibility.

Choose natives that thrive in salt and wind — Beach plum, Virginia rose, and switchgrass stabilize soil and require minimal watering.
Remove invasive species — Clearing knotweed and phragmites frees space for plants that support erosion control and local wildlife.
Layer plantings for visual and functional impact — Combine deep-rooted grasses with low shrubs to protect soil while framing water views.

9. Lighting & Water Features: Safety Meets Atmosphere

A well-lit shoreline property is safer, more welcoming, and usable after dark.

Path and stair lighting — LED step lights improve safety on uneven terrain while reducing energy use.
Uplighting for trees and seawalls — Highlights landscaping features and enhances nighttime curb appeal.
Low-maintenance water features — Fountains and basins can add a calming effect, even next to open water, without overwhelming the landscape.

Partner With a Coastal Construction Expert Who Understands the Shoreline

Owning a waterfront home in Connecticut or Rhode Island is a dream but it’s also a commitment. Your shoreline is constantly changing, and the choices you make today will shape its stability, safety, and beauty for decades. That’s why the partner you choose matters.

A skilled coastal construction team doesn’t just “do the work.” They anticipate how your property will respond to storms, tides, and seasonal changes, then design solutions that protect and enhance your investment. The right team blends engineering expertise, environmental awareness, and an eye for aesthetics ensuring your shoreline is secure, functional, and stunning to look at.

Why Homeowners Across CT & RI Choose K.E. Braza Construction

For over 25 years, we’ve been the trusted name in shoreline construction from Stonington to Westbrook and across the Rhode Island coast. Our clients choose us because we help them:

Mitigate erosion and flood risk with proven, long-lasting protection systems
Reclaim and maximize usable yard space even on challenging slopes
Create lasting, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that can handle coastal weather
Navigate Connecticut & Rhode Island’s shoreline regulations with less stress and faster approvals
Boost long-term property value by making smart, resilient improvements

And because every service from seawalls and docks to site work and drainage is handled in-house by our experienced team, you get seamless project management and accountability from start to finish.

Start Protecting and Enjoying Your Shoreline Today

If your seawall is showing cracks, your dock needs rebuilding, or your shoreline is slowly disappearing with every storm, now is the time to act. The sooner you address these issues, the more of your property and your peace of mind that you can preserve.

At K.E. Braza Construction, we don’t just build for today, we build for the next generation of shoreline homeowners. Let’s protect what you love most about your property so you can enjoy it for years to come, with confidence in every tide and every storm.

📞 Contact us today and take the first step toward a stronger, more beautiful waterfront.