Hedgerow and Shelterbelt Planting

Definition

The planting of one or more rows of strategically placed evergreens, deciduous trees, and/or shrubs in an area to create a hedgerow or shelterbelt of a desired height and density for the purposes of reducing wind, erosion and creating habitat for wildlife.

Benefits

Properly designed shelterbelts, especially over 10 rows wide, offer shade and reduce air conditioning costs throughout the warm season. During the winter months, they serve as a windbreak, reducing heating costs by as much as 30% and they can also act as a snow drift catch.

Additional Benefits Include:

• Wind reduction: Protect buildings, livestock, and crops
• Erosion control: Reduce soil and wind erosion
• Wildlife habitat: Provide food, cover, and nesting sites
• Wildlife corridors: Connect habitat patches across fragmented landscapes
• Snow management: Trap and distribute snow more evenly
• Visual screening: Privacy and aesthetic enhancement
• Property value: Increase land value and appeal
• Carbon sequestration: Remove CO₂ from atmosphere

Eligibility Criteria

• A map laying out the necessary features such as buildings, crops, soil types, soil drainage, soil fertility, wind exposure, salt spray, sand/silt movement, septic tanks, overhead lines (power, cable, telephone), roadways, satellite dish(s), and other relevant features
• A knowledge of landscape planning and tree silvics
• Develop a management plan which meets minimum requirements as specified by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action

Guidelines and Assessment Procedures

• Shall meet the eligibility criteria for this treatment listed above
• Meet the planting standards set out by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action
• Monitor and report on the success of techniques

Planning Considerations

Site Assessment

• Prevailing wind direction: Orient perpendicular to prevailing winds for maximum protection
• Soil conditions: Assess drainage, fertility, and depth
• Exposure factors: Consider salt spray in coastal areas, sand/silt movement
• Utilities and infrastructure: Maintain clearance from power lines, septic systems, roadways
• Views and access: Consider sightlines, satellite reception, access routes

Design Elements

• Number of rows: Single row for minimal space; 3-5 rows for moderate protection; 10+ rows for maximum effectiveness
• Row spacing: Typically 3-5 m between rows
• Tree spacing within rows: Typically 2-4 m depending on species and desired density
• Height at maturity: Plan for eventual tree height relative to structures and protected areas
• Protected zone: Extends 10-20 times the height of the shelterbelt downwind

Species Selection

For PEI conditions, consider:

Evergreen species (windward rows for year-round protection):

• White spruce - Hardy, salt tolerant
• Black spruce - Tolerates wet soils
• Red spruce - Native, high quality
• Eastern white cedar - Excellent for wet sites
• Balsam fir - Fast growing initially

Deciduous species (leeward rows, wildlife value):

• White birch - Fast growing, aesthetic
• Trembling aspen - Quick establishment, wildlife value
• Sugar maple - Long-lived, high quality
• Red oak - Mast production for wildlife

Shrub species (understory, wildlife food):

• Elderberry - Fruit for birds
• Serviceberry - Flowers, fruit
• Chokecherry - Dense cover, fruit

Maintenance Requirements

• Weed control: Critical for first 3-5 years
• Watering: During establishment in dry periods
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: From browsing mammals (fencing, tree shelters)
• Pruning: Remove dead or damaged branches; maintain desired form
• Replacement planting: Fill gaps from mortality