Designing a coastal landscape that can withstand salt spray, heavy winds, sandy soil, and harsh weather is both an art and a science. 

Long Island’s coastline—from the North Shore’s Long Island Sound cliffs to the South Shore’s Atlantic dunes—offers incredible natural 

beauty, but it also presents unique challenges for homeowners. Saltwater exposure can burn leaves, winds can damage plants, sandy soil 

drains too quickly, and storms can reshape entire sections of a property. Because of this, the most successful coastal landscapes are 

designed with resilience, sustainability, and low-maintenance strategies in mind.

This comprehensive guide explores more than a dozen coastal landscape design ideas specifically crafted for Long Island waterfront 

and near‑water properties. Whether your home is in Belle Terre, Old Field, Lloyd Harbor, the Hamptons, Kings Point, or any other 

coastal community, these strategies will help you create a landscape that is both stunning and durable.

1. Start With Salt‑Tolerant Foundation Plants

Salt spray from the ocean or sound can severely damage many traditional landscape plants. This is why the backbone of your coastal 

design must be built around shrubs and evergreens that naturally tolerate salty conditions.

Excellent salt‑tolerant shrubs include:

- Inkberry Holly

- Bayberry

- Beach Plum

- Rugosa Rose

- Summersweet Clethra

- Blue Pacific Juniper

- Winterberry Holly

These shrubs hold their shape, stay green through winter, and bounce back quickly after storms. Their flexible stems help them 

survive strong gusts without breaking.

2. Use Wind‑Resistant Trees That Thrive in Coastal Climates

Wind is one of the most destructive forces in coastal environments. Tall, brittle trees are more likely to snap during coastal storms, 

so choosing wind‑resistant species is essential.

Top choices include:

- Eastern Red Cedar

- Black Pine (Japanese and Austrian)

- American Holly

- Honeylocust

- Pitch Pine

- Hackberry

These trees have strong, flexible trunks and deep root systems that anchor them in sandy soil. They also create excellent windbreaks 

for the rest of your landscape.

3. Incorporate Native Coastal Grasses for Texture and Erosion Control

Coastal grasses are some of the strongest and most resilient plants available. Their root systems help stabilize sandy dunes, prevent 

erosion, and add movement and softness to the landscape.

Great options for Long Island include:

- American Beach Grass

- Little Bluestem

- Switchgrass

- Fountain Grass

- Northern Sea Oats

- Blue Lyme Grass

Use grasses on slopes, around patios, along driveways, or anywhere you need erosion control. Their low water needs and natural 

resistance to salt make them indispensable for coastal design.

4. Choose Perennials That Can Handle Salt, Wind, and Drought

Colorful perennials bring life to a coastal landscape—if they can handle the conditions. Luckily, many beautiful species thrive 

despite salt exposure and windy weather.

Top-performing coastal perennials include:

- Lavender

- Russian Sage

- Coreopsis

- Black‑Eyed Susan

- Yarrow

- Sedum (Autumn Joy)

- Catmint

- Seaside Goldenrod

These plants bloom reliably, attract pollinators, and require very little maintenance.

5. Use Natural Stone Instead of Concrete

Concrete tends to crack and break down in coastal environments due to salt exposure and freeze‑thaw cycles. Natural stone materials 

like bluestone, limestone, granite, and beach pebbles perform far better.

Popular choices for coastal landscapes include:

- Bluestone patios

- Gravel seating areas

- Natural stone retaining walls

- Pebble walkways

- Boulder borders

Natural stone blends seamlessly into the coastal environment and becomes more beautiful over time.

6. Build Windbreaks Using Layered Landscaping

One of the biggest challenges in coastal regions is protecting outdoor living areas from constant wind. Strategic plant layering can 

reduce wind by as much as 60%.

A windbreak is typically built using:

- Tall evergreen shrubs at the back

- Medium shrubs in the middle

- Grasses and perennials at the front

This layered approach slows the wind gradually rather than blocking it abruptly—which prevents damage to the plants and makes the 

space more comfortable for people.

7. Improve Sandy Soil With Organic Matter

Sandy soil drains quickly and does not hold nutrients well. Over time, this weakening of the soil can affect plant health. To build a 

long-lasting coastal landscape, improve sandy soil by adding:

- Compost

- Organic mulch

- Leaf litter

- Pine bark fines

These materials improve water retention and give the soil structure while remaining natural and environmentally safe.

8. Create Dune‑Safe Designs That Work With Nature

If your property is directly on a dune, it is important to respect the natural ecosystem. Do not remove dune grass or reshape dunes 

without proper permits. Instead, enhance the existing dune landscape with:

- Native grasses

- Low‑growing shrubs

- Driftwood accents

- Stone borders

Avoid planting invasive species that can disrupt dune stability.

9. Use Permeable Surfaces to Reduce Runoff

Coastal properties often experience heavy rain, which can quickly wash away soil. Permeable surfaces allow water to filter naturally 

into the ground.

Best permeable materials include:

- Gravel

- Pebbles

- Shell walkways

- Permeable pavers

- Open‑joint stone paths

This reduces runoff and preserves the natural landscape.

10. Select Outdoor Furniture & Decor Built for Harsh Coastal Conditions

Even the best coastal landscapes suffer when furniture rusts or breaks down. Choose durable materials such as:

- Marine‑grade stainless steel

- Teak wood

- Polywood

- Resin wicker

- Stone benches

These materials withstand salt, sun, and wind for many years.

11. Add Lighting Designed for Coastal Weather

Salt air corrodes most metals, so lighting must be marine‑grade. For pathways, patios, and docks, choose:

- Stainless steel fixtures

- Composite housings

- Powder‑coated aluminum

- Solar lighting options

Low‑voltage LED systems also reduce energy use and maintenance.

12. Create Outdoor Living Spaces Sheltered From Wind

Outdoor spaces can be made more comfortable using design strategies like:

- Pergolas

- Wind screens

- Natural hedges

- Low stone walls

- Sunken seating areas

These elements protect your outdoor experience and make your coastal property feel luxurious and functional.

13. Use Native Plants to Support Local Wildlife

Coastal landscapes can support birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Use:

- Milkweed

- Joe Pye Weed

- Coneflower

- Asters

- Bayberry

- Red Cedar

These native plants encourage a healthier coastal ecosystem.

14. Reduce Maintenance With Sustainable Planting

Coastal gardens should be low‑maintenance by design. Use:

- Drought‑tolerant plants

- Mulched planting beds

- Irrigation‑free areas with native grasses

- Slow‑growing shrubs

This reduces water usage and keeps your coastal garden thriving naturally.

15. Choose Plants That Offer Four‑Season Beauty

A great coastal landscape looks good all year. Select plants that provide:

- Winter berries

- Evergreen structure

- Summer blooms

- Fall foliage

- Spring color

This ensures your property stays visually appealing regardless of season.

Conclusion

Coastal landscaping requires plants, materials, and design strategies that can withstand salt spray, intense winds, sandy soil, and 

unpredictable weather. By using salt‑tolerant plants, wind‑resistant shrubs, natural stone, permeable surfaces, layered windbreaks, 

and sustainable design techniques, you can build a landscape that is both beautiful and highly resilient.

With thoughtful planning, your coastal property can become a year‑round retreat that enhances natural beauty while standing strong 

against the elements.