Tree Planting and Shelterbelts

With the current weather pattern shift, we are continuing to see higher-level winds, and one of the best ways to combat this is by establishing shelterbelts.

A shelterbelt is a barrier of trees or shrubs. The term “field shelterbelt” is used to distinguish between rows of trees or shrubs on agricultural fields from those planted in other ways: around farmyards or livestock facilities (farmstead shelterbelts), on marginal lands to change land use or in block plantings to provide woodlots or wildlife habitat.

Although modern agricultural farming practices such as direct-seeding have greatly reduced the amount of wind erosion in Alberta, there continues to be some effects of wind erosion on Alberta soils each year. Eroded soils are less productive, require higher inputs for crop production and are more prone to further erosion than uneroded soils. Erosion results in damage to downwind crops, structures and buildings, requiring costly cleanup and repair. Blowing topsoil has also been cited as a concern in numerous vehicle accidents, with several resulting in personal injury. Properly designed field shelterbelts, as part of a crop management system approach, prevent or greatly reduce the risk of wind erosion.

Benefits of Shelterbelts

Properly placed field shelterbelts provide agronomic and other benefits. The main agronomic benefits include the following:

• reduced soil erosion by wind
• increased moisture for crop growth due to two factors: – snow trapping – reduced moisture loss through evaporation
• potential for increased crop yields
• reduced wind damage to crops

Other benefits:

• provide wildlife habitat and shelter for livestock.
• Improve safety in winter travel due to reduced snow drifting.
• Lower costs of snow removal from roads.
• Beautification of the prairie landscape.
• Reduced environmental effects of agriculture by maintaining groundwater balance and protecting watersheds.
• Provide a potential source of income for farmers (e.g. biomass, timber, berries, firewood and non-timber products).

Interested in Establishing a Shelterbelt?

Prairie Shelterbelt Program Ltd.

(403) 507 - 8340

Help International Shelterbelt Centre

(306) 861 - 0814 or (306) 842 -2433

Tree Time

1-844-873-3700