Coastal homes have something truly special open views, salty breezes, and the calming sound of waves. But that same beauty comes with a challenge: wind, salt, sand, and sun exposure can be tough on plants and materials.

Whether your home sits on a bluff in Belle Terre or near the harbor in Huntington Bay, the right landscape design can protect your property, complement the scenery, and thrive in the elements.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we’ve designed and installed countless coastal landscapes across Long Island and we know exactly what works (and what doesn’t). This guide covers the best ideas, materials, and plants for coastal homes that look stunning and last for years.

1. Work With the Natural Landscape Not Against It

The most successful coastal landscapes blend with their surroundings. Instead of forcing lush inland plants into a sandy, windy environment, embrace what’s natural to the coast.

Tips for a Natural Coastal Look

• Preserve native dune vegetation: It stabilizes the soil and prevents erosion.
• Use soft, flowing shapes: Curved beds and pathways mimic the shoreline.
• Choose muted, natural colors: Grays, tans, and blues reflect the coastal palette.
• Frame the view: Don’t block ocean or harbor vistas with tall trees or fences.
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Pro Tip from Louis Contino Landscaping:
Think of your property as an extension of the beach. Use stone, driftwood, and native grasses to create a seamless transition between your yard and the coastal setting.

2. Choose Durable, Salt-Resistant Materials

Materials near the coast must withstand moisture, salt air, and high winds.

Best Hardscape Materials for Coastal Homes

• Bluestone or Limestone: Classic, non-slip, and holds up well to salt spray.
• Concrete Pavers (Cambridge or Techo-Bloc): Great for driveways and patios; easy to maintain.
• Composite Decking: Ideal for boardwalks, docks, or decks exposed to salt air.
• Stainless Steel or Aluminum Railings: Resist corrosion far better than iron.
• Cedar or Teak: Natural woods that handle humidity and weather gracefully.

Avoid:

• Cheap metal fixtures (they rust quickly).
• Soft stone like sandstone or low-quality concrete (can erode under salt).

Pro Tip: Always seal stone patios and pavers to protect against salt stains and frost damage especially on Long Island’s North Shore.

3. Pick Plants That Love Coastal Conditions

The right plant palette is the backbone of a successful coastal design. Choose salt-tolerant, wind-tough, and drought-resistant species that thrive naturally in sandy soils.

Top Coastal Plants for Long Island

Design Tip:

Group plants in drifts of 3–5 rather than mixing too many species it creates a calm, cohesive look that feels natural to the shoreline.

4. Focus on Drainage and Erosion Control

Coastal landscapes must handle heavy rain, storm surges, and runoff without washing away.

Smart Drainage Ideas

• Use permeable pavers: Allow rainwater to soak into the ground naturally.
• Install dry creek beds: Beautiful and functional they direct stormwater safely away from your foundation.
• Add rain gardens: Shallow planted depressions that capture runoff and filter it through native plants.
• Create subtle grading: Gentle slopes move water without erosion.

Erosion Control Plants

• Beach Grass (Ammophila breviligulata)
• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)
• Bearberry (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
• Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica)

Louis Contino Tip: Plant deep-rooted native grasses on slopes they hold soil better than retaining walls and blend beautifully with the coastal environment.

5. Design With Wind in Mind

Wind can dry soil, damage plants, and make outdoor spaces uncomfortable. Smart design can break the wind without blocking your view.

Wind Management Ideas

• Use layered plantings: Taller shrubs in the back, shorter ones up front.
• Choose flexible plants (like ornamental grasses) that move instead of break.
• Install permeable fencing  slatted or lattice designs that reduce wind force instead of stopping it.
• Add strategic berms (low mounds) or raised beds to redirect airflow.

Pro Tip: Avoid tall solid fences near the shore. They create turbulence and can blow over in strong gusts. Layered greenery is safer and softer.

6. Add Coastal-Friendly Hardscape Features

A well-planned hardscape can anchor your landscape and make maintenance easier.

Ideas for Coastal Hardscapes

• Curved Walkways: Mimic the natural movement of waves.
• Stone Fire Pits: Great for chilly coastal nights use non-corrosive inserts.
• Seating Walls: Dual-purpose provide seating and structure.
• Outdoor Showers: Perfect for beach homes; build with stone or composite.
• Low Retaining Walls: Control erosion while defining planting beds.

Louis Contino Tip: Mix textures pair stone with natural wood or composite for a modern coastal balance.

7. Keep the Design Simple and Low-Maintenance

Coastal landscapes should feel relaxed, not overdesigned. Simplicity is both beautiful and practical near the ocean.

Low-Maintenance Strategies

• Limit your plant palette to 5–7 species.
• Choose native plants that don’t need fertilizer or constant watering.
• Use drip irrigation to conserve water and reduce overspray on salt-sensitive leaves.
• Replace grass with gravel, beach grass, or clumping perennials less mowing, more texture.

Pro Tip: Avoid traditional lawns near the shore. Salt, sand, and inconsistent water make grass difficult to maintain. Opt for native groundcovers instead.

8. Frame the View, Don’t Block It

Your view is your biggest asset design around it.

How to Enhance Your View

• Keep plantings low near the water side and taller closer to the house.
• Use horizontal lines in walls, fences, and decks to mimic the horizon.
• Select see-through materials like glass railings for decks.
• Place seating and patios to face the view, not away from it.

Louis Contino Tip: Build the landscape as a “picture frame” for your view every element should lead the eye toward the horizon.

9. Add Outdoor Living Areas Built for the Coast

Coastal homes are all about outdoor living make sure your yard supports it.

Outdoor Living Ideas

• Covered patios or pergolas: Create shade and wind protection.
• Outdoor kitchens: Use stainless steel appliances and weatherproof stone countertops.
• Fire pits or fireplaces: Extend use into cooler months.
• Lounging areas: Use teak or composite furniture that withstands salt air.

Lighting Ideas

• Low-voltage or solar LED fixtures that resist corrosion.
• Soft, warm light (2700K) to mimic natural sunset tones.
• Path lights and uplights for both beauty and safety.

Pro Tip: In modern coastal design, less is more one focal light per zone is enough. Avoid over-lighting to keep the natural nighttime atmosphere.

10. Add a Natural Coastal Garden

For homes near dunes or bays, a naturalized planting design looks stunning and supports local wildlife.

Elements of a Natural Coastal Garden

• Use native plants that attract pollinators.
• Include driftwood, stone, or reclaimed timbers for structure.
• Let plants grow freely no formal shapes.
• Mix ornamental grasses with flowering perennials for movement and color.

Suggested Plant Mix

• Switchgrass, Coneflower, Goldenrod, Black-Eyed Susan, Butterfly Weed
• Add paths of crushed shell or gravel for a seaside feel.

Louis Contino Tip: A natural coastal garden ages beautifully it looks better each season as plants mature and mingle.

11. Smart Irrigation for Sandy Soil

Long Island’s coastal areas have sandy soil that drains quickly great for preventing flooding, but tricky for water retention.

Irrigation Tips

• Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklers it saves water and targets roots.
• Schedule watering in the early morning to minimize evaporation.
• Add organic matter or compost to sandy soil to hold moisture.
• Install rain sensors to prevent overwatering.

Pro Tip: For seashore homes, keep irrigation zones separate one setting for salt-tolerant plants and another for delicate species closer to the house.

12. Add Coastal Character With Materials and Decor

Modern coastal design celebrates texture and tone rather than color.

Material Ideas

• Gray bluestone patios
• White crushed shell driveways
• Driftwood or weathered wood fences
• Stone columns and simple native plantings

Decor & Finishing Touches

• Rope accents or nautical hardware
• Natural fiber planters (avoid metal near the shore)
• Soft lighting that glows, not glares
• Simple benches or Adirondack chairs overlooking the view

Louis Contino Tip: Keep outdoor decor minimal let the landscape and view do the talking.

13. Real Example: Coastal Landscape by Louis Contino Landscaping

Location: Belle Terre, NY

Before:
A steep, sandy property with patchy grass, poor drainage, and plants dying from salt exposure.

After:

• Installed tiered retaining walls using natural stone for stability.
• Planted ornamental grasses, bayberry, and juniper for erosion control.
• Created a bluestone patio with stainless steel railing facing the harbor.
• Added low-voltage lighting for nighttime ambiance.

Result:
A clean, sustainable landscape that blends with the shoreline, resists salt and wind, and enhances ocean views from every angle.

Conclusion: Beauty That Thrives by the Sea

Landscaping a coastal home is about more than just looks it’s about creating a design that thrives in harmony with the environment. With salt-tolerant plants, erosion-conscious grading, durable materials, and soft, natural textures, your property can stay beautiful through every season.

At Louis Contino Landscaping, we specialize in custom coastal designs that balance beauty, durability, and functionality perfect for the unique conditions of Long Island’s waterfront communities.

Ready to Transform Your Coastal Property?

Let’s create a landscape that captures the beauty of the shore and lasts for years to come.

Call Louis Contino Landscaping at 631-351-5409
Visit www.LouisContinoLandscaping.com
Serving Suffolk and Nassau County, Long Island, NY