Hedgerow
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Hedgerow Protection
Dense woody vegetation planted in a linear design to achieve a natural resource conservation purpose.
Description
Small trees, shrubs, and grasses planted along the edges of farm fields or along roads to filter runoff and act as a living fence and wildlife corridor. Hedgerows are planted on land in production agriculture where air and water quality is impaired or where there is a high potential of water quality impairment.
Benefits
- Protects water quality
- Provides shelter for wildlife
- Improves aesthetic value
- Improves air quality
- Reduces noise
Planning
- What is the goal of your hedgerow planting?
- Will plantings be protected from livestock or wildlife damage?
- Will you need access lanes?
- Will pesticide drift from cropland adversely affect plants?
Tech Notes
- Work with the Soil Conservation District to establish this practice.
- Follow state and local regulations for locating plants adjacent to roadways.
- Hedgerows should be a minimum of 6 feet wide if seeded, and one row wide if planted with seedlings or large stock.
- Use herbaceous and/or woody species.
- Use viable, high quality and adapted planting stock or seed.
- Choose the planting method appropriate for site and soil conditions.
- Protect the planting from livestock, wildlife and fire damage.
- Fertilize or lime based on soil test results.
Maintenance
- Inspect the hedgerow periodically and repair or restore as needed.
- Watch for impacts from excessive vehicular and pedestrian traffic, pest infestations, and pesticide use on adjacent lands.
- Mow when weeds reach six to eight inches.
- Control persistent weeds with herbicides.