The Rural Voice, 2004-01, Page 29kill one species, the entire windbreak
won't be lost. Having diversity also
offers a better chance for tree
survival during alternating seasons of
drought and wet soil conditions.
Windbreaks may consist of one to
three rows of alternating conifer and
deciduous species while shelterbelts
may be wider with more tree rows.
Shrubs are generally planted in the
outside rows, followed by conifers
with deciduous hardwood toward the
middle or along the windward side
where they can grow more efficiently
in the shelter from wind that is
provided by conifers.
Atree barrier ideally, will have a
density of 40-60 per cent
once established, for best
results for wind management.
Conifers such as spruce will provide
uniform branch coverage from the
ground level up. Tree rows should be
spaced wide enough apart to allow
access with a small tractor for
mechanical management of
vegetation.
Weed management is important
An ideal tree barrier
has a densitg
of 40-60 per cent
during the first five years of tree
establishment, Leuty warned.
Herbicides and plastic or organic
mulch can help control weed comp-
etition until the young shelterbelt
trees have overtopped the competing
weeds and are free to grow.
In addition to odour management,
Leuty said, treed shelterbelts also act
to reduce seasonal heating and
cooling costs of farm buildings
without disrupting ventilation. As
well, shelterbelts around farm fields
reduce damage to crops caused by
damaging turbulent winds while
allowing normal air circulation to
continue. The shelterbelts also reduce
soil erosion by the wind and when
planted around pastures. shelter
livestock from hot summer sun or
cold winter conditions.
And back to that issue of
perception mentioned at the
beginning, trees make your farm look
good and make you appear to he
someone who cares about the
environment. On top of all the other
benefits, that can't hurt.0
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JANUARY 2004 25