Coastal Landscaping That Thrives in Asbury Park

Salt air, ocean wind, and blazing summer sun make the Jersey Shore magical. They also punish most backyard plants. If you own in Asbury Park, you need a landscape that can handle salt spray, shifting sand, and stormy weather while still looking refined. In this guide, you’ll learn which native plants actually thrive here, the best time to plant, how to care for dunes, and what to know about permits before you dig. Let’s dive in.

Know your Asbury Park site

Climate and exposure

Asbury Park sits in a maritime climate with moderated winters and warm summers, roughly USDA Hardiness Zone 7. Oceanfront and seaward-facing areas see frequent salt spray and high winds. Full sun is common along the beach and dune crest. Choose plantings that are naturally adapted to this exposure so they thrive with minimal inputs.

Sand and water

Beach-adjacent soils are sandy, fast draining, and low in organic matter. They shift in wind and are prone to erosion on foredunes and backshore. Some low-lying properties fall within FEMA flood zones and may experience overwash during storms. In backdune areas, shallow groundwater is possible, which affects plant choice and placement.

Dunes and the role of plants

Vegetation is more than decoration on the coast. Deep-rooted grasses and shrubs trap windblown sand, help dunes gain elevation, and reduce surface erosion. After storms, these plants support recovery by holding sand in place. Engineered protection such as dune reconstruction, sand fences, and seawalls often works together with vegetation. Plants alone are not a substitute for engineered measures during extreme events.

Native plants that love the shore

Dune-building grasses

These grasses are the backbone of a stable dune.

• American beachgrass (Ammophila breviligulata)

  • Clumping, rhizomatous grass that traps windblown sand.
  • Typical height is 1 to 3 feet.
  • Best for foredunes and primary dune stabilization where permitted.
  • Plant in late summer to early fall or in spring so roots establish before winter or peak heat. Install as plugs or sprigs, with spacing based on site goals.

• Saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens)

  • Sod-forming and tolerant of salt and periodic inundation.
  • Ideal for upper marsh and low dune swales where soils hold more moisture.
  • Plant in spring or early fall.

• Saltgrass (Distichlis spicata)

  • Low, sod-forming grass for saline, sandy soils.
  • Useful at dune toes, upper beach, and transition zones.

• Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

  • Deep-rooted bunchgrass that tolerates dry sand.
  • Strong stabilizer for backdunes and transitions that adds visual mass.

Low shrubs and woody accents

Use these to anchor backdunes, create windbreaks, and add four-season structure.

• Northern bayberry (Morella pensylvanica)

  • Salt-tolerant evergreen shrub with waxy berries that attract birds.
  • Grows about 3 to 8 feet.
  • Stabilizes backdunes and provides a low windbreak. Plant in spring or fall.

• Beach plum (Prunus maritima)

  • Native shrub or small tree with edible fruit.
  • Grows roughly 3 to 10 feet.
  • Suited to sandy, saline sites for stabilization and ornamental interest. Plant in spring or fall.

• Beach heather (Hudsonia tomentosa)

  • Low, mat-forming shrub adapted to primary dunes.
  • Excellent groundcover on sand ridges that helps trap sand.

• Sweet pepperbush (Clethra alnifolia)

  • Summer-flowering shrub with strong pollinator value.
  • Performs in protected coastal sites and moist backdune areas.

Perennials and groundcovers

These add seasonal color, pollinator support, and quick coverage.

• Seaside goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens)

  • Salt-tolerant perennial with late-season blooms that feed pollinators.
  • Reaches 2 to 5 feet.

• Beach pea (Lathyrus japonicus)

  • Trailing perennial that stabilizes sand and fixes nitrogen.
  • Good groundcover for dunes and upper beach.

• Sea rocket (Cakile edentula)

  • Annual adapted to shifting sand.
  • Common natural colonizer of foredunes and upper beach.

• Wild lupine (Lupinus perennis)

  • Native perennial for well-drained sandy soils.
  • Supports pollinators, including specialized butterflies.

• Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)

  • Low groundcover that tolerates dry sand.
  • Useful in stabilized backdune settings.

Trees, used sparingly

Coastal wind and salt limit tree success near the ocean.

• Pitch pine (Pinus rigida)
  • Native to coastal barrens and stabilized dunes.
  • Consider inland from primary dunes as a windbreak or visual buffer. Avoid placing on exposed foredunes.

Avoid large tree species right on the oceanfront. Salt, wind, and overwash increase failure risk and can create hazards during storms.

Be cautious with non-native staples

Rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) is often used for dune stabilization because of salt tolerance. It is not native and is considered invasive in some NJ coastal systems. Check local guidance and consider native alternatives first. Non-native beach grasses are also generally not recommended because they can disrupt Atlantic dune ecology.

When and how to plant

Best planting windows

In coastal New Jersey, the prime planting windows are spring from April to June and early fall from September to October. These periods allow roots to establish before summer heat or winter freezes. Many dune restoration efforts plant American beachgrass in late summer into early fall, though spring plantings also work. Local timing can vary based on nursery stock and recent storm impacts.

Planting methods that work

• Use nursery-grown native stock. For beachgrass, plugs or sprigs are standard.
• Set spacing based on species and goals. Beachgrass in restorations is often planted in staggered rows around 12 to 36 inches apart.
• Backfill with native sand rather than rich topsoil. High organic soils hold moisture and favor weeds.
• Sand fencing and brush layering can help trap windblown sand and shield young plants during establishment. Confirm permit needs before installing fences on public beaches.

Watering and fertilizing

Coastal natives prefer lean, fast-draining conditions. Provide supplemental water only during prolonged dry spells in the first growing season. After establishment, avoid routine irrigation. Do not fertilize routinely. Added nutrients often boost invasive and weedy species and can destabilize dune communities.

Ongoing care after storms

• Inspect plantings after storms for overwash or burial and replant as needed.
• Control invasive species early. Phragmites, knotweed, multiflora rose, and aggressive non-native roses can outcompete natives. Mechanical removal and targeted herbicide by licensed professionals are common strategies.
• Keep heavy machinery off dunes. Use designated walkways to prevent trampling.
• Consider leaving some dead vegetation over winter to hold trapped sand and provide habitat. Trim only where safety or access requires it.

Safety and ecological tips

• Avoid dense woody shrubs on the foredune crest unless coastal managers recommend them. You want to support natural dune-building processes.
• Choose locally sourced native stock when possible. Local genotypes can offer better resilience.

Permit checkpoints in Asbury Park

What usually needs approval

Planting landward of the dune crest on private property that does not reshape the dune is typically less regulated. Any dune alteration, grading, installation of sand fences on public beach, or work seaward of the mean high-water line commonly requires permits. Structures such as boardwalks, stairs, and fences within dune corridors or on the beach usually trigger approvals.

Who to contact

• Asbury Park municipal offices. Confirm property boundaries, dune management areas, and beach rules.
• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Land Use Regulation. Coastal permits, wetlands and waterfront permits, and flood hazard regulations may apply.
• Monmouth County Planning or Parks if your property interfaces with county beaches or dune projects.
• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for activities in navigable waters, tidal wetlands, or seaward of mean high water.

For larger or unclear projects, consider working with a coastal engineer, a landscape architect, or a restoration contractor with NJ coastal permitting experience.

Coordinate with public dune projects

If a federally funded or municipal dune restoration project is nearby, coordinate with the city or county program managers. Public dunes often use specific plant stock and spacing. Planting inconsistent species next to them can undermine performance.

A sample planting plan for an ocean-facing lot

Use this as a starting concept you can adapt to your site and any local guidance.

• Foredune and upper beach

  • American beachgrass plugs installed in staggered rows to trap sand.
  • Beach pea in patches as a stabilizing groundcover.
  • Sea rocket can be left where it naturally colonizes to hold shifting sand.

• Dune crest and shoulder

  • American beachgrass continued over the crest where allowed.
  • Beach heather as low groundcover to knit the surface.
  • Saltgrass and saltmeadow cordgrass in lower, moist swales.

• Backdune and transitions to the yard

  • Switchgrass for structure and deep-rooted stabilization.
  • Northern bayberry and beach plum to create a wind-tolerant screen and seasonal interest.
  • Seaside goldenrod and wild lupine for pollinator color.
  • Wild strawberry as a low groundcover in stabilized areas.

Remember, avoid large trees near the ocean frontage. If you want a taller element, consider pitch pine farther inland from the primary dunes.

Quick homeowner checklist

• Site read
  • Identify exposure, wind, and sun patterns. Note dune crest, swales, and any FEMA flood designations.
• Plan
  • Select native, salt-tolerant species matched to each zone. Prefer local ecotypes.
• Permit check
  • Call Asbury Park municipal offices for local rules and boundaries. Contact NJDEP for work near dunes or tidal areas, and consult county or federal agencies as needed.
• Source
  • Buy nursery-certified native stock. For beachgrass, order plugs from experienced coastal nurseries.
• Plant
  • Target April to June or September to October. For beachgrass, late summer to early fall is often ideal.
• Protect
  • Use sand fencing and brush layering only with proper approvals. Keep foot traffic off young plantings.
• Maintain
  • Water lightly in the first season during dry spells only. Avoid routine fertilizer. Control invasives promptly.
• Monitor
  • After storms, replant buried or scoured areas. Leave dead vegetation where safe to help hold sand.

Ready to elevate your shore property

A resilient, native landscape does more than look beautiful. It supports dune health, reduces maintenance, and keeps your outdoor spaces usable after wind and weather. If you are planning improvements, you can align planting and permit steps with your broader property goals.

If you are considering selling, smart coastal landscaping pairs perfectly with high-impact staging and presentation. For a discreet conversation about your home’s market position and next steps, connect with Unknown Company to Request a Home Valuation.

FAQs

Can I plant anything I want on my beachfront property in Asbury Park?

• Planting landward of the dune crest on private property that does not reshape the dune is typically less regulated, but altering dunes, working on public beaches, or planting seaward of mean high water usually requires permits or approvals.

Will native plants alone protect my home from storm surge?

• Vegetation stabilizes dunes and reduces erosion, but it is not a replacement for engineered protections during extreme storms. Use plants as part of a combined strategy.

When is the best time to plant beachgrass in Asbury Park?

• Late summer to early fall is often recommended so roots establish before winter, though spring plantings are also used based on site conditions and nursery availability.

Do I need to water and fertilize coastal natives regularly?

• Provide supplemental water only during prolonged dry periods in the first year. Avoid routine fertilization because added nutrients can favor invasive weeds and destabilize dune systems.

Is rugosa rose a good choice for dune stabilization?

• Rugosa rose tolerates salt and is commonly used, but it is non-native and considered invasive in some NJ coastal ecosystems. Prefer native alternatives and follow local guidance.

How quickly will dune plantings stabilize sand?

• You may see sand accumulation and visible gains within one growing season with grasses, but full stabilization and resilience develop over multiple years.

Who should I contact before installing sand fencing or reshaping dunes?

• Start with Asbury Park municipal offices for local rules, then contact the NJDEP Division of Land Use Regulation. Depending on location, county agencies and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may also be involved.