Shoreline Restoration in  Waupaca, WI

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Protecting Your Waterfront with Expert Erosion Control

Lakefront and riverfront properties in Waupaca, WI offer stunning views and natural beauty—but they also come with serious responsibility. Without proper care, shorelines can erode rapidly, damaging land, landscaping, and even foundations. At TLC Lawns & Landscaping LLC, we’ve been restoring and protecting Wisconsin shorelines since 1999.

Our shoreline restoration services are built on a combination of structural know-how, environmental best practices, and a commitment to long-term durability. We don’t offer generic solutions—we design and build shoreline systems that are tailored to your property’s slope, soil, water level, and usage.

Whether your shoreline is actively eroding or just needs reinforcement, we can help you reclaim and protect your land.

Why Shoreline Restoration Is Essential

Without intervention, shoreline erosion can gradually eat away at your property. In some cases, feet of land are lost each year—putting decks, docks, lawns, and even homes at risk. Erosion also affects water quality, promotes weed growth, and can reduce property value.

Restoration helps:

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Prevent soil loss and runoff

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Stabilize steep or collapsing banks

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Improve lake and river water quality

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Create safer access to the waterfront

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Enhance natural beauty and long-term usability

Our goal is to stop damage early, reinforce your shoreline properly, and make the space more functional and attractive.

Our Shoreline Restoration Services

We offer a full suite of shoreline stabilization and improvement services, combining structural installations with environmentally responsible landscaping techniques.

Riprap Installation


Riprap is a layer of large, angular rock installed along the shoreline to break wave action, reduce runoff, and anchor the bank. We use locally sourced stone and proper underlayment to prevent washout and settlement.

Each riprap system is graded, compacted, and placed for maximum strength. Riprap is a proven method for protecting both residential and commercial waterfront properties from erosion.

Shoreline Grading and Reshaping


Before installing any stabilization materials, we carefully grade the shoreline. This improves water flow, reduces standing moisture, and prepares the area for long-term success. We address gullies, undermined slopes, and shallow areas that collect water and debris.

Grading is done with a balance of heavy equipment and hand tools, depending on terrain accessibility.

Native Vegetation and Bioengineering


For clients seeking a natural look or DNR-compliant restoration, we incorporate native plantings into our shoreline designs. Plants with deep root systems hold soil together and slow runoff.

We install:

  • Native grasses and groundcovers

  • Wetland and aquatic edge plants

  • Erosion-resistant shrubs

  • Native perennials for color and pollinator support

These plantings are selected for their hardiness, low maintenance, and environmental benefit. Combined with stone or mulch, they create a stable and attractive shoreline buffer.

Shoreline Access Paths and Steps


Safe, functional access to your lake or riverfront is a priority for many clients. We build natural or hardscaped paths and steps that blend into the shoreline while minimizing erosion risks.

Our access paths use gravel, natural stone, or pavers, depending on slope and terrain. Every project is customized for safe foot traffic and stormwater control.

Who Needs Shoreline Restoration?

If you own property along the Chain O’ Lakes, Crystal River, or any of Waupaca’s many bodies of water, shoreline restoration may be critical. We work with:

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Lakefront homeowners


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Riverfront cabin owners


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Commercial waterfront properties


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Homeowner associations and shared docks


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Recreational properties and resorts


Even if your shoreline seems stable now, early signs of erosion—such as exposed roots, sloughing soil, or muddy water—can signal deeper problems. We encourage homeowners to act before structures are at risk or land is lost.

Local Knowledge, Proven Results

We’ve been restoring and protecting Waupaca shorelines for over 25 years. That means we understand lake levels, soil types, runoff behavior, and winter damage unique to this region.

Our team is experienced in working with Wisconsin DNR guidelines and can help navigate any regulatory requirements for shoreline projects. We don’t just build fast—we build correctly, with long-term performance in mind.

With every project, we prioritize:

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Proper drainage and slope


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Long-term erosion control


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Safety and access


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Natural aesthetics


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Compliance with local ordinances


We work efficiently to minimize disruption and ensure your grounds make a strong first impression on customers, employees, and visitors.

Real Feedback from Waupaca Clients

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“Could not be happier with the retaining wall that Tom and his crew did. They answered quickly, came out promptly, and repaired it better than before. Would highly recommend.”

Richard Bastien, Waupaca, WI

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“I called Tom for a quote on getting rid of the humps and valleys and smoothing out our yard. Fast and wonderful service!”

 — Jim Neidert, Waupaca, WI

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“Thank you for the quick response for snow plowing. I appreciate the service.”

 — C. Hart, Waupaca, WI

These are genuine, local reviews. At TLC, our work is our reputation—and we stand by every shoreline we restore.

FAQs About Shoreline Restoration

How do I know if my shoreline needs restoration? +

Signs include crumbling soil, exposed tree roots, undercut banks, standing water, and cloudy runoff. If you see these, it’s time to act.

Do I need a permit for shoreline restoration? +

Some shoreline projects require permits, especially those on lakes and rivers regulated by the Wisconsin DNR. We can help guide you through the permitting process if needed.

What is riprap, and is it always required? +

Riprap is a layer of stone that protects shorelines from erosion. It’s not always required, but it's often recommended for properties with active wave action or steep slopes.

Can you restore a heavily eroded shoreline? +

Yes. We specialize in severe erosion cases and can rebuild banks using stone, grading, and reinforced plantings. Even collapsed or dangerous shorelines can often be stabilized with the right approach.

How long does a shoreline restoration take? +

Most projects take between three days and two weeks, depending on size, slope, material availability, and weather. We'll give you a detailed schedule after an on-site evaluation.

Start Your Shoreline Project Today

If you’re ready to protect your waterfront and reclaim your land, TLC Lawns & Landscaping LLC is here to help. We’ve been Waupaca’s shoreline restoration experts for more than 25 years—and we understand what it takes to deliver safe, attractive, and lasting results.

Contact us to schedule your shoreline consultation. We’ll walk your property, identify risk factors, and create a custom plan that balances strength, compliance, and curb appeal.

Contact us today to book your free consultation:

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Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM


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Service Area: Waupaca, WI and surrounding lakefront communities