Mike is very capable of doing all your forestry needs. Cleared property for my garage and i’m very happy with the outcome
ML BLAKE EARTHWORKS
Class A Contractor
ML BLAKE EARTHWORKS
Class A Contractor
At ML Blake Earthworks, we specialize in shoreline restoration and erosion control in VA that protects waterfront properties from erosion, flooding, and environmental damage. We serve Central and Eastern Virginia, including the Peninsula, from Norfolk to Chesterfield, as well as Newport News, Hampton, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. Our team provides effective erosion control solutions and bank stabilization that reinforce riverbanks, stabilize coastlines, and maintain the natural integrity of waterfront landscapes.
Our expertise in riprap shoreline protection, bank stabilization, and living shoreline installation allows us to tailor shoreline restoration methods to each project’s unique conditions. Whether you need erosion control in VA, storm damage repair, or a resilient waterway protection system, ML Blake Earthworks offers durable, sustainable solutions built for long-term stability.
Many shoreline projects also require grading and drainage work beyond the waterline — our sitework services team handles that as part of a coordinated restoration plan. ML Blake Earthworks is a Class A licensed excavation contractor in Virginia with the equipment to manage both land and water-edge work.
We offer a wide range of shoreline restoration services designed to prevent erosion, restore stability, and enhance the durability of coastal and riverfront properties:
1
We conduct a detailed evaluation of shoreline conditions, including wave action, soil composition, and existing damage
2
Based on our findings, we design a solution using riprap, seawalls, bulkheads, or living shoreline techniques tailored to the site’s needs
3
We implement erosion control measures, such as sediment control barriers, native vegetation planting, and rock revetment installation, to strengthen the shoreline.
4
After completing the project, we provide ongoing maintenance plans to ensure long-term shoreline stability and waterfront property protection.
We provide customized coastal erosion management and bank stabilization solutions. Our expertise in marine construction, riprap shoreline protection, and storm surge defense ensures that every project is built for resilience and environmental sustainability.
Whether you own a waterfront home, manage a commercial marina, or oversee coastal infrastructure projects, we offer the expertise and resources to protect your shoreline for years to come.
Mike is very capable of doing all your forestry needs. Cleared property for my garage and i’m very happy with the outcome
I recently hired M.L. Blake Earthworks to dig the foundation and pour concrete for my husbands shop, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! From start to finish, the team demonstrated exceptional professionalism and expertise.
They arrived on time, worked efficiently, and truly paid attention to detail throughout the entire process. The foundation was dug precisely to specifications, and the concrete pouring was done flawlessly. The quality of their work is evident, and I have every confidence that my shop is built on a solid foundation.
I recently had M.L. Blake Earthworks install a driveway at my home, and I couldn’t be happier with the results! From the initial consultation to the final touches, their team was professional, knowledgeable, and attentive to my needs.
They took the time to understand what I wanted and offered valuable suggestions that improved the overall design. The quality of their work is outstanding; the driveway looks fantastic and has truly enhanced the curb appeal of my home. Will certainly use them again in the future!!
We have lived on a 20 acre heavily wooded piece of property for 27 years. We have wanted to open it up a bit for a long time. I have been monitoring ads for forestry mulching and contacted Mike Blake if M.L. Blake Earthworks. He responded quickly and came out and gave me an estimate for what I was looking to do. His estimate came in less than what I was expecting.
Mike came out this past week and forestry mulched about 2.5 to 3 acres in front of our home and our two side yards. The result exceeded my expectations and while we still have a forested lot, we now have a beautiful park like setting while preserving a buffer to the street and our neighbors. It was a four day effort.
I also had some logs left over from taking 6 trees down in my horse paddock. I thought I was going to be able to get rid of them as firewood for anyone who needed but had no takers. Mike offered to mulch them up at no separate charge.
Mike did an awesome job and we are extremely happy with our new park like setting. I highly recommend Mike and M.L. Earthworks if you have a similar project.
I’ve worked with Mike and his team for well over a year now, and can’t say enough good things about them. From all our clients new construction site work to some of clients needing minimal work done. Mike always has us covered. From anything from site work, lot clearing, pretty much anything from dirt to trees he has you covered!
I can’t say enough about M.L. Blake Earthworks. Michael and his crew went the extra mile every single day for me. They cleared off 3+ almost 4 acres at my property that was a complete mess, regraded a bad spot from the previous owner that was continuously washing out, and are currently helping with a concrete pad for my new shop. Great communication and definitely priced right and highly recommended them to everyone.
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M. L. Blake Earthworks offers Lakeshore Restoration in Central and Eastern Virginia. We travel 70+ miles to complete residential and commercial shoreline projects across the Peninsula and more.
Check out our service areas or give us a call to see if we can assist you with your shoreline restoration project.
Have questions about protecting your waterfront property? Here are the answers we give most often.
Cost depends on shoreline length, the extent of erosion, and which method fits your site, riprap, a bulkhead, or a living shoreline installation. Most projects range from a few thousand dollars for smaller bank stabilization to a much larger investment for full seawall or bulkhead construction. We’ll walk your property and give you a firm quote before any work starts.
Yes, most shoreline and waterfront projects in Virginia require permits through your local wetlands board or the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, especially for work below the mean high water line. We handle the permitting process for our clients so you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Riprap uses layered stone to absorb wave energy and slow erosion. A bulkhead is a vertical wall, typically wood or steel, that holds back soil on developed waterfronts. A living shoreline uses native vegetation and natural materials to stabilize the bank while preserving habitat. We’ll recommend the right option based on your wave exposure, soil type, and how the property is used.
Smaller residential projects typically take one to two weeks from start to finish. Larger commercial or marina projects, or ones requiring more extensive permitting, can take longer. We’ll give you a realistic timeline once we’ve assessed the site.
A well designed shoreline restoration project reduces erosion and improves drainage, which lowers flood risk over time, though it can’t eliminate flooding from major storm surge events entirely. Pairing erosion control with proper spillway and drainage installation gives you the strongest long-term protection.
When we’re on heavy equipment we may not be able to accept calls.
Please tell us about your project needs. We schedule consultations are your convenience if at all possible.
Describe the project, Location, Timeline for completion, Other important details. Please include a phone number where we can reach you and best time to call.
We will reach out and schedule a One-to-One Consultation approximately one hour in duration so that we can thoroughly understand your needs.
