By Nick Dunn
Shelterbelts are a lot like border protection – they provide security and stability, standing as a barrier against the elements while supporting everything within. Just like borders help safeguard a region, shelterbelts shield farmland, livestock, and ecosystems, offering a wide range of benefits.
Winter may be here, but it’s never too early to start thinking about planting trees for spring. Flagstaff County is once again accepting applications for our Shelterbelt Establishment Program, an initiative that makes planting trees more affordable by covering half the cost for rural residents. Applications are open until the end of January, so there’s still time to plan your shelterbelt project. By purchasing trees in bulk, the county can secure discounted rates for the tree order.
Flagstaff County also offers rental equipment including tree planters and a plastic mulch applicator for weed control, making the process even easier. The county recognizes how valuable trees are for the prairie landscape, offering countless benefits that go beyond aesthetics.
So, what makes planting shelterbelts and windbreaks so worthwhile? The benefits are as diverse as they are practical. For farmers, shelterbelts can boost crop yields by capturing snow in the winter and reducing evapotranspiration losses. In a dry year, that added moisture can make a world of difference. They also create a more stable microclimate, reducing wind speeds across fields and helping crops like winter wheat, barley, rye, and hay stand tall, even in strong winds. And when it comes to spraying, shelterbelts help limit spray drift, keeping inputs right where they’re needed.
Livestock can also benefit from shelterbelts by providing shade from the heat and protection from biting winds, improving cattle health and productivity. They also cut down on dust, noise, and odors, reducing respiratory issues in animals. And let’s not forget the original reason for shelterbelt planting: preventing wind erosion, which remains an issue in many areas.
On the biodiversity front, shelterbelts provide habitat for pollinators, boosting oilseed yields. They also attract birds and beneficial insects, which can help keep pest populations in check.
But for all their benefits, we’ve seen shelterbelts disappearing over the years and ageing. Thankfully, many in our county are still committed to planting and preserving them. Alberta tree expert Toso Bozic recommends planting a diverse mix of tree species in shelterbelts to avoid the risks posed by disease or pests wiping out an entire row. Mixing species can serve as a natural barrier, making it harder for pests or diseases to spread.
If you’re ready to plant trees and reap these incredible benefits, don’t forget to submit your application by January 31, 2025. This program is open to rural residents of the county, and you can apply HERE, or visit the County office to fill out an order in person.
Take advantage of this great program, plant some trees, and give back to the land!
Nick Dunn is Flagstaff County’s Agricultural Fieldman. He can be reached via email at: ndunn@flagstaff.ab.ca or by phone at: 780-384-4138.