Specializing in lake shore restoration and custom landscaping projects
Serving the Forest Lake area
Winter Shoreline Protection
4×8 HDPE mats are placed and secured along the shoreline just before the lake freezes. These mats act like a ramp, allowing the ice to slide up instead of pushing directly into the shoreline, which helps prevent ice heave damage. I’ve been installing these mats for the past nine seasons and haven’t had any significant shoreline damage during that time.
Every shoreline is unique, and every winter brings different conditions. This mat system has proven effective on multiple rock shorelines, including several neighboring properties that install these mats each year.
Please note: I don’t know how well this system performs on sand shorelines or very shallow waterlines.
The mat system uses 4×8 HDPE mats and rope to secure the top edge, both of which can be purchased at Menards. The angled rebar used to anchor the mats below the waterline, along with the shoreline rope, bolts with holes, and hitch pins that connect the mats, can be ordered from Amazon or similar suppliers.
Each mat has six holes drilled into it: one in each corner about 4 inches in from the edge, and one centered on each long side, also 4 inches in. You’ll want to use a step drill bit for this—regular drill bits can work, but they don’t leave a clean hole and may cause the mat to crack.
I offer material pick‑up, parts ordering, material prep, and delivery for this system—just reach out for a quote. I don’t currently provide seasonal installation or removal on your shoreline. Install times can vary, but for reference, with four people we can set up about 180 feet of shoreline in just over an hour, and removal usually takes around half an hour.
Before/After
For the do-it-yourselfer
For homeowners who like to take on part of the project themselves, Barch LLC can handle the pieces you don’t want to do. If you’d rather move your own rock, I can reshape the shoreline, install the underlayment, and you can place the rock back when you’re ready. You can pick which parts you want to tackle, and I’ll take care of the rest.
I also sell the same fabric I use on shoreline projects. It’s a heavy‑duty, impermeable woven road‑base fabric that works great for shedding water from around the house and for other landscaping projects. It comes 12.5 feet wide and can be cut to whatever length you need. Reach out for a quote.
BARCH LLC
About Barch LLC
About Barch LLC
About Barch LLC
I’m Jon Barchenger. I graduated from Forest Lake in the late ’90s and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. After my honorable discharge, I spent a few years in Georgia and South Dakota before moving back home to Forest Lake with my family in 2012. My first shoreline project was in 2014 for a neighbor, and things grew from there. I of
I’m Jon Barchenger. I graduated from Forest Lake in the late ’90s and went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force. After my honorable discharge, I spent a few years in Georgia and South Dakota before moving back home to Forest Lake with my family in 2012. My first shoreline project was in 2014 for a neighbor, and things grew from there. I officially formed my LLC in 2021 as my work expanded beyond the neighborhood. I’m fully insured as well.
Services
About Barch LLC
About Barch LLC
Shorelines, flagpoles, water features, parking pads, digging holes, excavator work, tractor work—pretty much anything outdoors. If you need it done, just ask!