Pheasants Forever: Creating Habitat
Shelterbelts: Protecting & Enjoying Wildlife
Shelterbelts are small, one to five-acre woodlands usually planted on the west and north sides of homesteads to protect houses, outbuildings and fields from wind erosion and winter's blustery snow. In some circumstances, they can cut winter heating bills by as much as 30 percent. They also can add aesthetic and real value to farmsteads. Finally, shelterbelts provide important habitat to wildlife.
To survive winter, wildlife spend much of their time searching for food. When wind adds a biting sting to a cold winter night, wildlife also need some relief in the form of a shelterbelt, grove of trees, thick grasses or a combination of each. In fact, a study of upper Midwest shelterbelts found that up to 110 species of birds and dozens of species of animals use the trees, shrubs and grasses at some time during the year.
Kevin Leistikov, an Iowa landowner, planted a shelterbelt around his home to protect against winter winds. In doing so, he also created 1.8 acres of wildlife habitat. After consulting with habitat development specialists to create an effective shelterbelt design, Leistikov planted an eight-row shelterbelt of highbush cranberry, wild plum, red dogwood, ninebark, black hills spruce, white spruce, arborvitae and red cedar.
"The diversity of plants adds to the wildlife habitat we enjoy," said Leistikov. "Many varieties of wildlife use a shelterbelt. And our family benefits from the winter protection it provides."
Many professionals, such as Pheasants Forever's Habitat Teams, which help landowners develop and manage their habitat acreage, including shelterbelts, counsel that shelterbelt development begins with defined objectives. A goal of increasing the diversity of wildlife requires one plan, while protecting a winter food plot may require a different plan. And it's possible to do both.
Part of a five-year old shelterbelt designed to protect a wildlife food plot from winter snows and bitter winds.
Many professionals, such as Pheasants Forever's Habitat Teams, which help landowners develop and manage their habitat acreage, including shelterbelts, counsel that shelterbelt development begins with defined objectives. A goal of increasing the diversity of wildlife requires one plan, while protecting a winter food plot may require a different plan. And it's possible to do both.
Next, a well-prepared seedbed makes planting easier. Leistikov used part of a retired cornfield, so it was smooth with excellent weed control. Between the rows of shrubs and trees, he sowed timothy and oats with a drill rented from his County Conservation Board. Timothy and oats provide ground cover and nesting habitat for a variety of birds, such as pheasants and quail.
An effective tractor for mid-range habitat projects is 50 to 75-horsepower, such as, New Holland's BoomerTM or TN-A series. Utility tractors are affordable, comfortable and have resale value. It is the perfect size for preparing, planting and maintaining a shelterbelt.
A tree planter, an implement pulled behind a tractor, can allow just a few people to plant hundreds of seedlings in a day. Local conservation organizations often rent tree planters.
Potted trees, however, must be planted by hand. Leistikov's trees were potted, so he used a hand auger to pre-drill holes. He dropped a handful of fertilizer in each hole to give the young trees a healthy start.
"We got the kids to help us plant and turned it into a family event," said Leistikow. "We wanted them to have a good appreciation for the shelterbelt when they get older."
A field retired from farming provides ideal tree planting conditions.
Applying biodegradable commercial tree fabric or mulch over newly planted trees can help double their growth rate by limiting weed competition, reducing moisture loss and lengthening the growing season in colder climates by warming the soil.
Watering newly sown seedlings may be necessary, especially in drier climates. Watering allows the plants to establish themselves firmly and deeply. A 100-gallon or larger watering tank and hose system pulled behind your mid-range tractor works well. By the second or third growing season artificial watering may no longer be necessary.
Commercial tree fabric limits competition from weeds, helping to increase the survival and growth rates of your shelterbelt.
Pulled behind a mid-size tractor, habitat specialists plant bare root seedlings from a commercial tree planter.
Finally, expect some losses due to overstressed roots, insect infestations, wildlife behaviors, and bad luck. Loss percentages range depending on region, weather, soil type, and other factors. Lost plants may be replaced by hand.
"We relied on our local Conservation Board and professionals like Pheasants Forever for help," said Leistikov. "We had a lot of good support and knowledge to draw on and that gave us the confidence that we could do it ourselves."
With good growing conditions, a well-planned shelterbelt will emerge in just a few years, can catch snow, and limit the effects of snowdrift near buildings. Within five years, you will be enjoying the wildlife habitat that benefits from a shelterbelt.
This article courtesy of Living the Country Life
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