Trees

Almost all of the trees required in a buffer system will need to be planted because little of the natural riparian forest areas remain. Tree species sould be mixed throughout the buffer to provide maximum diversity. Trees can be planted in rows (for better maintenance access) or randomly (for more natural look). Trees that are planted in buffer systems should be planted with respect to microsite conditions - especially moisture.

There are many tree species that are commonly recommended for planting in the midwest. Many are recommended because of their tolerance to flooding. Some of these species include: black willow (Salix nigra), box elder (Acer negundo), river birch (Betula nigra), sandbar willow (Salix exigua), and silver maple (Acer saccharinum). Some species with moderate tolerance to flooding are: black walnut (Juglans nigra), green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), red maple (Acer rubrum), and sycamore (Platanus occidentalis). Species with a low flood tolerance that are used in buffer systems are: red oak (Quercus rubra), and white oak (Quercus alba).

Shrubs

Shrubs are a important component of buffer systems. One of the main uses for buffer systems is the reduction of downstream flooding. Shrubs help accomplish this by using their multiple stems to reduce flood speed. By slowing floodwater upstream, streams do not compile their water as quickly and therefore decrease the downstream flood intensity. Shrubs are also appropriate for diversifying wildlife habitat along stream areas, and can even produce berry crops for interested landowners.

There are also many common shrubs that are used in buffer plantings. Some of these include: silky dogwood (Cornus amonmum), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), elderberry (Sambucus canadensis), and ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius).

Grasses

Warm-season grasses, rather than cool-season grasses, should be used in buffer systems because their multiple stems are much more rigid and don't flatten when hit by sheet flow where field runoff is a problem. Warm-season grasses can help intercept sediment from field runoff by slowing water and allowing sediment to be deposited. Warm-season grasses also have significantly deeper root systems than cool-season grasses increasing soil structure and infiltration rates.

Common warm-season grasses used in buffer systems are: switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides), purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), blazing star (Liatris spicata), and bee balm (Monarda didyma). On moderate to well-drained sites, these species can include: big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), Indiangrass (Sorgahastrum nutans), showy aster (Aster spectabilis), butterfly milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), and black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta).

Economics

Aside from alternative products, buffers are also economically feasible because there are many incentives offered by USDA conservation programs.