Launching Instructions

We can provide a video and written instructions to help launch your new islands.

The ideal launching site is a gentle, level slope, with vehicular access to the waterway and an open shoreline. However, site variations may call for expert help.

Custom islands are likely to be more complicated to install, requiring expert launch assistance. MFI has trained Island Masters available to assist with launching complex or large BioHaven® Islands.

There are two points, sometimes overlooked, which can mess up a launch big-time – please take note so this does not happen to you! They are:

1) Make sure you pack your soil/peat planting mixture to avoid any air gaps.

2) Saturate the plants before you walk away from the launch. If all the plants are secure, you can briefly push the island under water to soak it. Make sure that either the top is going to be watered regularly for the first two to three weeks, or that the island is sitting low enough in the water for the plant roots to get access to water (you can add rocks or wood). This is only for the first few weeks, while the plants are establishing themselves. They are at their most vulnerable to transplant shock at this time.

If you bear these two pointers in mind you will minimize transplant shock and foster healthy plant growth on your BioHaven® Island.

Anchoring

Every BioHaven® has at least two anchor attachment points.  You can attach a stainless steel, sailing rope or plastic coated chain, which will be then attached to the anchor.

Optimum anchor weight will vary according to wind conditions and flow. For situations where there is not much of either, we recommend taking the square footage of BioHaven® and using that as a guide for the total anchor weight.  For example: a 250 sq footer: 250 total pounds of anchors.

The effectiveness of an anchor will always be influenced by the hardness or softness of the bottom. The harder the bottom, the more the anchor is likely to slide in a high wind or flow.

In some situations, it is not desirable or permissable to place an anchor, for instance, in protected wetlands or streams. In this case, tethering to shore is an option.

Maintenance

People have many questions about maintenance. In general, BioHavens® are like any garden – you can tend them or let them grow naturally. Maintenance is not difficult, but you will likely need a small boat to access your BioHaven®. Weeds and invasive species can take root on your BioHaven® and you may wish to remove them. We recommend planting with perennials if you want to reduce maintenance, but annuals make a wonderful ornamental display, if you are prepared to tend them.

There are some factors you need to allow for if you are dealing with waterfowl issues – please see our FAQs for more information.

To order an island please contact info@midwestfloatingisland.com.

Feel free to contact us for information about plants and additional instructions.