{"id":280,"date":"2020-07-27T21:14:50","date_gmt":"2020-07-27T21:14:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/?page_id=280"},"modified":"2020-08-14T17:42:52","modified_gmt":"2020-08-14T17:42:52","slug":"a-shelterbelt-overview","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/a-shelterbelt-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Shelterbelt Primer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">What is a shelterbelt?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A shelterbelt is a row of trees and\/or shrubs planted in order to protect an area from natural elements such as wind and snow, or for other purposes such as aesthetics, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana-1024x768.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana-136x102.jpeg 136w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/carigana.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Image 1. A mature caragana shelterbelt (centre right) and another shelterbelt in the distance (centre left).<br>Source: Colin Laroque  <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>There are different types of shelterbelts and different purposes for each. These types include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Farmyard shelterbelts <\/strong><ul><li>Farmyard shelterbelts are placed in or around a farmyard. They are often planted for wind protection and\/or to control blowing snow. They can also insulate the yard and protect gardens. They can provide habitat for wildlife, sequester carbon, reduce dust, provide privacy and beautify the area.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Applicable species include caragana, chokecherry, hawthorn, red-osier dogwood, sea buckthorn, silver buffaloberry, villosa lilac, bur oak, green ash, hybrid poplar, Manitoba maple, Siberian crabapple, acute willow, silverleaf willow, Siberian larch, Scots pine, Colorado spruce, and white spruce.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Field shelterbelts (fieldbelts)<\/strong><ul><li>Fieldbelts are planted in fields\/agricultural land. Their main use  is for wind protection for both soils and crops. They can also help with snow aaccumulation and increase the efficiency of irrigation.\u00a0<\/li><li>Applicable species include caragana, hawthorn, sea buckthorn, villosa lilac, bur oak, green ash, acute willow, silverleaf willow, possibly Siberian larch, Scots pine, occasionally chokecherry, Colorado spruce (multiple row only) and white spruce (multiple row only).\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Dugout shelterbelts<\/strong><ul><li>Shelterbelts planted around dugouts are valuable for protecting the surrounding area from snowmelt and spring runoff, and trapping this water into a dugout area. The water stored in a dugout with the help of a surrounding shelterbelt can be a valuable source of water for agricultural activities.\u00a0<\/li><li>Species applicable include caragana, hawthorn, sea buckthorn, villosa lilac, bur oak, green ash, acute willow, silverleaf willow, possibly Siberian larch, Scots pine, and chokecherry.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Roadside shelterbelts <\/strong><ul><li>Shelterbelts planted next to roads are generally used to protect the road from snow. They therefore reduce the need for road maintenance during the winter, reduce road dust from reaching crops, animals, or farmhouses and can also provide privacy. <\/li><li>Species applicable include caragana, hawthorn, red-osier dogwood, sea buckthorn and villosa lilac.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Livestock shelterbelts<\/strong><ul><li>Planting shelterbelts along livestock areas is beneficial for the animals. They protect them from wind and dust and snow, improves animal health, provides shade and increase efficiency of feeding. Decreased animal stress can result in increased yields of goods such as milk and eggs. Livestock shelterbelts also benefit nearby people in that they protect from livestock noise and odours.\u00a0<\/li><li>Species applicable include caragana, chokecherry, sea buckthorn, villosa lilac, bur oak, hybrid poplar, Manitoba maple, trembling aspen, acute willow, silverleaf willow, Siberian larch, Scots pine, Colorado spruce and white spruce.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Wildlife planting shelterbelts <\/strong><ul><li>Shelterbelts can be planted to provide areas for animal feeding, nesting, breeding, etc. They can also provide shelter from weather and predators, as well as provide a food supply. In return, these animals, such as birds, can provide pollination and help maintain a fruitful and healthy plant area.\u00a0<\/li><li>Multiple plant species can be planted in order to provide services for many different wildlife species. Native plants are also very recommended for wildlife plantings since they are already adapted to the climate and soil conditions of the area.\u00a0<\/li><li>Species applicable include chokecherry, hawthorn, hedge rose, red elder, red-osier dogwood, sea buckthorn, silver buffaloberry, snowberry, villosa lilac, bur oak, cottonwood, green ash, hybrid poplar, Manitoba maple, pincherry, Siberian crabapple, trembling aspen, acute willow, peachleaf willow, silverleaf willow, Siberian larch, Scots pine, Colorado spruce and white spruce.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Riparian buffer shelterbelts<\/strong><ul><li>Riparian buffer shelterbelts are put in place to divide and buffer the area between agricultural land and a body of water (i.e., wetlands, floodplains, rivers, streams, creeks, lakes, sloughs). Riparian buffers can overall stabilize the area and improve habitat in both aquatic and terrestrial environments. They can reduce erosion, protect sensitive wetland areas, absorb excess nutrients and sediment from both aquatic and terrestrial areas, supply cover for wildlife, and more.<\/li><li>These buffers also very importantly aid in prohibiting flood water from reaching the nearby crops and agricultural lands, by providing distance\/elevation from flood waters, slowing water entering the drainage system, and more.<\/li><li>Species applicable include chokecherry, hawthorn, hedge rose, red elder, red-osier dogwood, snowberry, cottonwood, possibly hybrid poplar, Manitoba maple, pincherry, trembling aspen and peachleaf willow.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Forest shelterbelts<\/strong><ul><li>A forest belt is essentially a large field shelterbelt. To be considered a forest belt, a field shelterbelt must have at least 3 rows of trees and\/or shrubs. The difference is they create a forest environment when the tree canopies of each row combine and close together.\u00a0<\/li><li>Forest shelterbelts also, therefore, provide the same services and serve the same purposes as field shelterbelts. However, forest shelterbelts are special in that they can potentially provide these services at a greater level, since there are fewer gaps in the canopy. <\/li><li>Species applicable include the same species as for fieldbelts (see above).<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Shelterbelt characteristics affect the effectiveness and capabilities of your shelterbelt. Important characteristics include: <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Effect of height<ul><li>The height of your shelterbelt determines how much of the downwind land area will be protected by it. Height of course varies with each shelterbelt. Shelterbelts also change and increase height over time as the trees continue to grow.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Effect of density<ul><li>Naturally, a denser shelterbelt will allow less wind to pass through. This increases the size of the protected area. <\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Shelterbelt density, flow patterns and areas of protection can be altered by the number of rows planted, distance between each tree and species used. For example, increasing the number of rows or decreasing the distance between each tree increases shelterbelt density and provides a more solid barrier. Species used will also decide the shelterbelt height, density, and influences the distance of the protected area.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Effect of orientation<ul><li>Shelterbelts are most effective when they are positioned at right angles (i.e., perpendicular) to coming winds. In the prairies the wind often comes from the north and west, so shelterbelts should be positioned perpendicular to those directions.\u00a0<\/li><li>The purpose of the shelterbelt can also decide the orientation of the shelterbelt. For example, farmyards and feedlots often require protection from cold winds, dust or blowing snow to protect the farm animals. Due to this, these shelterbelts could be planted to protect from multiple directions.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Effect of length<ul><li>The length of the shelterbelt determines the amount of area to be protected. The height of the shelterbelt determines the extent of the downwind protection. To maximize the efficiency of your shelterbelt, the length should be at least 10 times the height.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Microclimate modifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In and around the protected zone of a shelterbelt is a different microclimate than the surrounding area. The lesser amount of wind in this area often results in a changed microclimate; temperature and humidity levels often increase which can result in decreased evaporation and therefore water loss from transpiration. This means the plants have to use less water (i.e., plants are more water-efficient). It can also allow earlier crop planting. However, the increase in humidity and temperature could also potentially lead to an increased chance of disease, such as mildew. Lower humidity and temperature along with shading could also result in a slower rate of snow melt, making fields difficult to access in the spring, which is something to be aware of as well.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"480\" height=\"640\" src=\"http:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/weed-supression-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-477\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/weed-supression-1.jpg 480w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/weed-supression-1-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 480px) 100vw, 480px\" \/><figcaption>Image 2. An example of an understory\/microclimate area of a coniferous multiple-row shelterbelt.<br>Source: Colin Laroque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">References<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Farmyard shelterbelts. (2020). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/farmyard-shelterbelts\/?id=1344641665558\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/farmyard-shelterbelts\/?id=1344641665558<\/a>.<\/li><li>Field shelterbelts. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/field-shelterbelts\/?id=1344878160778\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/field-shelterbelts\/?id=1344878160778<\/a>.<\/li><li>Dugout shelterbelts. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/dugout-shelterbelts\/?id=1344879527869\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/dugout-shelterbelts\/?id=1344879527869<\/a>.<\/li><li>Forest belts. (2012). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/forest-belts\/?id=1344892729023\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/forest-belts\/?id=1344892729023<\/a>.<\/li><li>Livestock shelterbelts. (2014). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/livestock-shelterbelts\/?id=1344883127286\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/livestock-shelterbelts\/?id=1344883127286<\/a>.<\/li><li>Riparian buffers. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/riparian-buffers\/?id=1344888191892\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/riparian-buffers\/?id=1344888191892<\/a>.<\/li><li>Roadside shelterbelts. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/roadside-shelterbelts\/?id=1344882105190\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/roadside-shelterbelts\/?id=1344882105190<\/a>.<\/li><li>Selecting trees and shrubs species. (2014). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/selecting-trees-and-shrubs-species\/?id=1344895876238\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/selecting-trees-and-shrubs-species\/?id=1344895876238<\/a>.<\/li><li>Shelterbelt characteristics. (2014). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/shelterbelt-characteristics\/?id=1344638379638\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/shelterbelt-characteristics\/?id=1344638379638<\/a>.<\/li><li>Wildlife plantings. (2014). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/wildlife-plantings\/?id=1344887254019\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/wildlife-plantings\/?id=1344887254019<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Planning<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Perhaps the most important step in shelterbelt planning is doing research and choosing plants that are suitable to successfully grow in your geographic location.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another part of planning your shelterbelt is which shelterbelt design you will select, and the equipment needed to prepare and create such a design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>As you plan your shelterbelt, keep the following considerations in mind:<ul><li>Locate your shelterbelt where it will be most effective at its purpose<\/li><li>Design the shelterbelt to meet your goals with the available space<\/li><li>Choose suitable plants (as mentioned above)<\/li><li>Prepare the site before planting any shelterbelt species&nbsp;<\/li><li>Arrange means for labour<\/li><li>Provide a nursery or simply care and protection for the seedlings until time for planting<\/li><li>Means to control weeds before and after the planting stage<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>During the planning stage, the potential site for a shelterbelt should be assessed. Identify your concerns of the area and decide on the areas of necessary change or improvement that a shelterbelt could aid in. You should also assess your environment in the area and be sure that it can withstand the addition of a shelterbelt. For example, soils low in nutrients might not be able to cope with additions of large plants such as trees. These issues should be taken into consideration before a shelterbelt is implemented.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Potential uses\/objectives of a shelterbelt include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Reduction of soil erosion, wind disturbance, snow drift and buildup, odour, noise to or from surrounding areas, net greenhouse gas emissions and dust volume. Further objectives include insulating buildings and reducing energy consumption and costs, protecting, shading and insulating livestock from weather, aesthetics and beautification of the area, providing wildlife habitat and increasing biodiversity of the area, visual screening, capturing atmospheric carbon and increasing property value.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>After implementing and monitoring your shelterbelt for a period of time, modifications can be made in areas that you deem necessary. For example, things such as weed management or pruning methods can be altered. Objectives also can be modified or additional ones can arise. Priorities may have even changed altogether.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Shelterbelt design<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several types of trees and shrubs that can be used in a shelterbelt for various purposes. Different plant species have different growth times as well as characteristics such as height, density and longevity which all play a role in creating a successful shelterbelt.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Height<ul><li>Shelterbelt height of course influences the area that the shelterbelt will affect. With a taller shelterbelt, more area is protected.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Growth times and longevity<ul><li>If you want your shelterbelt to come into effect quickly, decide on fast-growing tree and shrub species. Fast-growing species are often also short-lived so slower-growing trees can be planted alongside them to equal this out.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Density<ul><li>Tree and shrub density influences wind protection. If you have a denser tree cover, less wind will penetrate through the shelterbelt.\u00a0<\/li><li>Shrub species protect the area closer to the ground surface.\u00a0<\/li><li>Coniferous trees with dense, year-round foliage can greatly help protect the surrounding area from wind and snow. In contrast, deciduous trees and shrubs lose their foliage in the fall so during the cold months deciduous shelterbelts are less effective.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Tree age<ul><li>Younger trees also protect the area closer to the ground surface. Older trees protect the area higher above the ground surface.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Tree placement<ul><li>Shelterbelts are very effective with five rows of tree and shrub species. If there is not adequate space for five rows, it is better to plant less rows, such as three, instead of crowding more rows in a tight space. One must allow full growth of a shelterbelt for it to be most effective so crowding is never recommended. If three rows would even seem to be too tightly crowded, a two-row shelterbelt is an appropriate alternative for such a crowded area. It is even better if the trees in each row are staggered from the other row. This allows for optimal protection. Conifers are recommended for these two or three row shelterbelts.\u00a0Single row shelterbelts are also appropriate for certain projects, such as    when a shelterbelt is planted on arable land. <\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>It is normally recommended to plant various plant species in a shelterbelt to promote diversity. Diversity is beneficial in all natural environments including shelterbelts. More benefits and services are provided by multiple species of tree and shrub. There is also less of a chance of a massive loss of biomass from events such as disease, insect infestation, fire or drought. This is because different species react differently and have different adaptations to withstand such events.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Which trees and shrubs to select for your shelterbelt mainly depend on the climate of the area and the purpose of the shelterbelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Shelterbelt design &#8211; soil zones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You also want to focus on species that can thrive in your local soil zone. Soil zones are large geographical areas where one soil type dominates. In Saskatchewan specifically, there are 4 soil zones: Brown, Dark Brown, Black and Grey. Different plant species survive better in different soil zones because soil zones have different characteristics regarding soil moisture, nutrient regime, pH, climate, etc.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Brown soil zone<\/strong> in southern Saskatchewan covers the Mixed Grassland Ecoregion of the larger Prairie Ecozone. This ecoregion area is the most arid area in Saskatchewan. This means that drought tolerant plants will do well here. The dominant vegetation in this area is grasses. Large trees and forest areas that require vast amounts of water do not thrive here like in other areas, but they can be successfully planted in shelterbelts if they are monitored and watered sufficiently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Caragana (<em>Caragana aborescens<\/em>) is a drought-tolerant shrub very suitable for the Brown soil zone. Of the woodland areas that are present, trembling aspen and shrub species are popular. Other species present include choke cherry, hawthorn, silver buffaloberry, northern snowberry, common lilac, eastern cottonwood, green ash, balsam poplar, Alaska willow and white spruce.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, the <strong>Dark Brown soil zone<\/strong> around Saskatoon and down towards the Regina area covers the Moist Mixed Grassland Ecoregion of the Prairie Ecozone. This Ecoregion is still characterized by the gross Prairie Ecozone characteristics, but has a more subhumid continental climate and an increased amount of woodland area, among other differences.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Species that thrive in this soil zone include choke cherry, hawthorn, silver buffaloberry, northern snowberry, eastern cottonwood, green ash, and peachleaf willow. Caragana is also applicable to this soil zone.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Black soil zone <\/strong>found more north, near Prince Albert and down towards Yorkton, covers the Aspen Parkland Ecoregion of the Prairie Ecozone and the Boreal Transition Ecoregion of the Boreal Plain Ecozone. This area is overall a mix of farmland and forest with many deciduous species. This area is considered to have a humid continental climate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Trembling aspen and understory shrubbery are prominent in the Aspen Parkland area. Species in the Boreal Transition area include many aspen and white spruce along with some jack pine, black spruce and balsam poplar. More species include red-osier dogwood, chokecherry, Saskatoon berry, snowberry, bur oak, and willow.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, the <strong>Grey soil zone<\/strong> of Saskatchewan is found mainly in the Boreal Transition and the Mid-Boreal Upland Ecoregions of the Boreal Plain Ecozone. This geographical area is the most north of all mentioned. The higher precipitation level present in this area means that greater biomass can be supported; therefore, this is the most forested of the areas mentioned. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Species to be planted in shelterbelts in this area should be able to withstand lower temperatures and higher precipitation levels. Species that thrive in the Boreal Transition area include trembling aspen, balsam poplar, white spruce, balsam fir, willow, some black spruce and tamarack. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Shelterbelt tree and shrub spacing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>There are different spacing recommendations within shelterbelts for different species of tree and shrub.\u00a0<\/li><li>As a rule of thumb:\u00a0<ul><li>Deciduous trees are planted 2-5 meters apart<\/li><\/ul><ul><li>Coniferous (evergreen) species are planted 2-3 meters apart\u00a0<\/li><li>Hybrid poplars, hybrid larches, poplars or spruces are planted 2 meters apart<\/li><li>Shrubs are planted 1-2 meters apart <\/li><li>Keep in mind these are general recommendations and spacing can vary with different shelterbelt purposes, species used, planting site conditions, etc.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Space required for shelterbelts in crop areas can be reduced by planting only a single row shelterbelt. However, the spacing <em>between<\/em> plants in the single row should be adequate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Further planning actions include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Choosing the shelterbelt area<\/li><li>Preparing the shelterbelt area (e.g., removing weeds, amending the soil)<\/li><li>Digging the planting holes <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">References<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Design. (2017). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/?id=1344640294401\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/design\/?id=1344640294401<\/a>. <\/li><li>How to plant a tree. (n.d.). Treetime.ca. <a href=\"https:\/\/treetime.ca\/article.php?artid=6&amp;artcatid=4\">https:\/\/treetime.ca\/article.php?artid=6&amp;artcatid=4<\/a>. <\/li><li>Selecting tree and shrubs species. (2014). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/selecting-trees-and-shrubs-species\/?id=1344895876238\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/selecting-trees-and-shrubs-species\/?id=1344895876238<\/a>.<\/li><li>Shelterbelt planning and establishment. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/?id=1344636433852\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/?id=1344636433852<\/a>.<\/li><li>Spacing recommendations. (2020). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/spacing-recommendations\/?id=1344895588418\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/shelterbelt-planning-and-establishment\/spacing-recommendations\/?id=1344895588418<\/a>.<\/li><li>V\u00e9zina, Andr\u00e9. (2005). Farmstead shelterbelts. ITA, La Pocati\u00e8re Campus. ISBN: 2-550-45563-0. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nvca.on.ca\/Shared%20Documents\/Farmstead%20Shelterbelts%20Planning%20Planting%20and%20Maintenance.pdf\">https:\/\/www.nvca.on.ca\/Shared%20Documents\/Farmstead%20Shelterbelts%20Planning%20Planting%20and%20Maintenance.pdf<\/a>.<\/li><li>Yates, Tom. (2020). Identification of Saskatchewan plants and soils. Lecture notes, RRM 215.3. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Planting<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Potential equipment needed for planting a shelterbelt:\u00a0<ul><li>Planting bags, shovel or spade or dibble bar, plot cord, proper clothing<\/li><li>Miscellaneous items such as duct tape, rope, a knife and first aid kit<\/li><li>A bag such as a duffel or backpack to carry your items.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Propagation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Propagating a seed will make sure that the tree will grow to be identical as the tree it came from. In other words, you can artificially select the next generation of tree or shrub, which is especially beneficial when there are some very desirable characteristics from the previous generation. Propagating your own seedling instead of buying a partly-grown tree or shrub can also be beneficial when availability of a certain species in your area is limited, and can also save money from not having to buy a seedling. To propagate a tree or shrub, you can either grow it from seed, or begin from softwood or hardwood cuttings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Purchasing a seedling or sapling<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One can also purchase a seedling or sapling. This would speed up the shelterbelt process so it could provide its service faster, but one would also have less control over how well the shelterbelt will grow and succeed. However, this is not normally a terrible issue.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:18px\"><strong>Planting new trees and shrubs <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is both hand planting and mechanical planting for seedlings.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Hand planting is more suitable for smaller-scale projects<ul><li>Consists of using a dibble bar, shovel or spade to hand-dig a wedge-shaped hole in the soil, placing the seedling in the hole and then replacing the soil and watering the area.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Mechanical planting is more suitable for larger-scale projects<ul><li>One popular way to mechanically plant shelterbelt trees includes using a tree planting attachment on a tractor that opens a furrow in the ground that a seed will be lowered into. The seedling will be hand-lowered into the furrow by someone sitting on the tree planting attachment. The packing wheel of the attachment will then close the hole it made moments prior, with the seedling now planted in said hole. Then, have someone follow the tree planter to ensure all of the roots are covered with soil and that the soil is tightly packed, or to uncover a buried seedling.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Water your seedlings heavily and immediately after planting, but make sure not to drown them if the soil is poorly drained.\u00a0<\/li><li>Weed control, fencing, tree guards\/repellents, and\/or fertilizer may be appropriate to use around your shelterbelt at this point in order to control weeds and wildlife harm, as well as to reduce competition for moisture, sunlight and nutrients.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"http:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-436\" srcset=\"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831-136x102.jpg 136w, https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/IMG_5831.jpg 2016w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption>Image 1. Newly planted shelterbelt seedlings. <br>Source: Colin Laroque<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">References<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Planter equipment checklist. (2010). Summit reforestation &amp; forest management ltd. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.summitplanting.com\/uploads\/9\/9\/5\/3\/9953111\/summit_equipment_checklist.pdf\">https:\/\/www.summitplanting.com\/uploads\/9\/9\/5\/3\/9953111\/summit_equipment_checklist.pdf<\/a>.<\/li><li>Planting new trees and shrubs. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/planting-new-trees-and-shrubs\/?id=1346110148472\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/planting-new-trees-and-shrubs\/?id=1346110148472<\/a>. <\/li><li>Propagation. (2020). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/propagation\/?id=1346183990557\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/propagation\/?id=1346183990557<\/a>. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<!--nextpage-->\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Maintenance and Care<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintaining and caring for your shelterbelt and surrounding area is incredibly important to retain shelterbelt health, integrity and longevity in order for it to properly and continually fulfill its purpose.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maintenance and care includes weed control and management. This can be done mechanically and\/or chemically. Controlling weeds is Important to limit competition and subsequent nutrient deficiencies that shelterbelts may face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Chemical weed control includes applying herbicide around and in between the trees and shrubs and close surrounding areas (but, of course, not directly on them). Glyphosate is a popular broad-spectrum herbicide to be applied at the planting site. It can be applied one or two weeks before tilling in order to kill the weed root system. This makes tillage easier as well.\u00a0<ul><li>Please see \u201cHFIT\u201d for more details on herbicide application.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Mechanical weed control includes tillage. Tillage is the mechanical cultivation of the soil in order to create a suitable seedbed, eliminate weeds and therefore competition, and improve soil conditions and productivity.\u00a0\u00a0<ul><li>Tillage equipment can include disc harrows, cultivators, plows, rototillers and rotary tillers.\u00a0<\/li><li>Please see \u201cHFIT\u201d for more details on tillage.<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Controlling weeds between tree rows can also be done by planting a noncompetitive turfgrass in between the rows.\u00a0<\/li><li>An effective alternative to chemical and mechanical weed control is mulch. Mulch is a protective barrier of organic or inorganic materials placed on the soil surface below the shelterbelt plants. This mainly mitigates weeds by blocking sunlight from reaching the weeds below the mulch; thus, mulch forbids weeds from growing in the area. Plastic mulch is a popular inorganic mulch material, and wood chips, straw, hay, etc. are popular organic mulch materials.\u00a0<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Pruning your trees and shrubs is also a very beneficial way to maintain shelterbelt health, integrity and longevity.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pruning is the act of trimming or cutting away certain branches or stems of a tree or shrub to help the them thrive and to increase productivity, fruitfulness and growth.\u00a0<\/li><li>Pruning is done for three main reasons:<ul><li>Trimming dead, diseased or broken branches<\/li><li>Trimming branches interfering with power lines, machinery operations, or that have the potential to damage property<\/li><li>Trimming suckers and branches for appearance and aesthetic purposes (but useful branches should not be removed if <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">only<\/span> an eyesore)<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li>Pruning can be done at multiple times of the year, and is regularly done in early spring, late fall, or winter. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>How to prune:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Appraise the tree and area to see what needs to be cut and how to do so without damaging the environment or any property (to the best of your abilities).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Then, cut the limbs necessary. The 3-step cut method is a popular way to successfully cut large limbs.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Pruning equipment includes handsaws, polesaws, bucksaws, chainsaws, secateurs and lopping shears (although chainsaws are not recommended).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Note: when pruning, it is important to maintain the natural form of the tree, especially when cutting pyramidal evergreens, and to remove only what is necessary and no more than 25% of living tree parts per season.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/black-and-decker-pole-saw.jpg?resize=614%2C592&amp;strip=all\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption>Image 1. A polesaw being used for pruning. <br>Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/black-and-decker-pole-saw.jpg?resize=614%2C592&amp;strip=all\">https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/newhobbyfarms.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/15102750\/tree-trim_JJ-600&#215;347.jpg <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bartlett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2789290_l.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\"\/><figcaption>Image 2. Lopping shears being used for pruning. <br>Source: https:\/\/www.bartlett.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2789290_l.jpg <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p style=\"font-size:22px\"><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">References<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Controlling weeds in your agroforestry planting. (2016). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/controlling-weeds-in-your-agroforestry-planting\/?id=1346110876860\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/controlling-weeds-in-your-agroforestry-planting\/?id=1346110876860<\/a>.<\/li><li>Esau, R. (2007). Weed control for Alberta Shelterbelts. Alberta Agriculture and Food: Agri-facts. <a href=\"https:\/\/www1.agric.gov.ab.ca\/$department\/deptdocs.nsf\/all\/agdex977\/$file\/277_645-1.pdf?OpenElement\">https:\/\/www1.agric.gov.ab.ca\/$department\/deptdocs.nsf\/all\/agdex977\/$file\/277_645-1.pdf?OpenElement<\/a>.<\/li><li>Mize, C. W. Brandle, James R. Schoneberger, M. M. and Bentrup, G. (2008). Ecological development and function of shelterbelts in temperate North America. USDA Forest Service; UNL Faculty Publications, 27-54.<\/li><li>Pruning trees and shrubs. (2015). Government of Canada. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/pruning-trees-and-shrubs\/?id=1346179616865\">https:\/\/www.agr.gc.ca\/eng\/agriculture-and-climate\/agricultural-practices\/agroforestry\/growth-and-maintenance-of-trees\/pruning-trees-and-shrubs\/?id=1346179616865<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What is a shelterbelt? A shelterbelt is a row of trees and\/or shrubs planted in order to protect an area from natural elements such as wind and snow, or for other purposes such as aesthetics, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat.\u00a0 There are different types of shelterbelts and different purposes for each. These types include: Farmyard [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-280","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=280"}],"version-history":[{"count":23,"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":530,"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/280\/revisions\/530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iss.madlabsk.ca\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=280"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}