When our team began work on a designer wood bulkhead project in Missouri City, Texas, we were faced with a unique challenge: how to preserve a beautiful mature tree while protecting the surrounding land from water erosion.
The homeowner wanted not only strength and durability but also a natural, elegant look that would blend seamlessly into the waterfront landscape.
The main objectives were clear:
Working closely with the homeowner, Tom, we developed a custom semicircular bulkhead design that would protect the shoreline and frame the tree as the centerpiece of the landscape.
Every material used in this project was selected with longevity and performance in mind.
We used 6x6 pressure-treated wood piles and boards, chosen for their superior resistance to water and decay.
The circular design required precise layout and alignment, with outer posts and horizontal boards carefully installed around the tree to form a smooth arc.
To build the wall structure, vertical boards were embedded deep into the soil, creating a strong barrier against water and wave impact. For additional reinforcement, internal piles were tied back to the bulkhead using threaded steel rods, increasing stability and load-bearing capacity.
Behind the wall, we focused on long-term shoreline stability.
A geotextile barrier was installed to prevent soil erosion and to keep the backfill material intact.
The base layer consisted of river sand, selected for its excellent drainage properties — unlike regular sand, which often contains clay and traps water, increasing pressure on the wall.
A second layer of geotextile fabric was placed beneath the top layers to provide added reinforcement. The area was then backfilled with gravel and topsoil, ready for future landscaping and planting.
The completed project achieved every design goal — a functional, visually stunning wood bulkhead that enhances the property’s shoreline while preserving the natural beauty of the existing tree.
The gentle semicircle design adds character, while the solid construction ensures years of reliable protection against erosion.
We extend our sincere thanks to Tom, the homeowner, whose creative input and design vision were key to this project’s success. His ideas helped shape one of the most distinctive and environmentally sensitive bulkheads we’ve built in Missouri City.
At Shore Protect Team, we specialize in designing and constructing custom bulkheads, seawalls, and shoreline protection systems across Texas.
If you’re looking to combine natural beauty with engineered durability, we’d be happy to help bring your vision to life.
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