Shelter belts have long been a part of our environment, often being used to protect fields from soil erosion, primarily from the wind. They may not seem problematic in the sense that they protect fields from soil erosion, but they can bring issues as well as benefits.
To put it simply, there are numerous issues with shelter belts, from inability to control weeds to pest control. For instance, grasses and weeds are often competing with the plants in the shelter belt for water, light and nutrients, meaning crop yield may be reduced, or at least slowed significantly. Local wildlife may also be more inclined to damage crops if they have a shelter belt habitat.
The effectiveness of the belt is reduced by its hindering of the environment it is supposed to protect. Ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh up the pros and cons on whether a shelter belt is strictly necessary for your property.
Other issues
As well as the aforementioned problems, shelter belts also cause issues with regard to the local climate, in that a denser shelter belt will cause the air to stagnate, meaning temperatures are higher during the day, and lower at night. Over a longer period of time, this can be detrimental to the local area around the shelter belt.
Usually the vigorous root growth of the trees in the shelter belt can also adversely impact growth in the adjacent area, though of course it depends on the tree and crop in question as to how this impact is made. At Tree Control, we are the experts in shelter belt removal, and we can survey your property and see if the shelter belt is problematic for your land.
Other issues that arise may be in relation to the height of the trees in question, which may shade crops and reduce growth. This is before we even mention potentially poisonous or harmful trees to their surrounding environment.
When it comes to shelter belt removal., you should look for a name you can trust, and Tree Control are certainly that. We get to the root of the issue and provide a service that’s both affordable, and efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main problems with shelterbelts?
The primary issues include competition for soil resources, significant shading of adjacent land, and high ongoing maintenance costs. Without regular care, they can also become a safety hazard during storms or grow to occupy valuable, productive space.
Can shelterbelts cause shading issues?
Shelterbelts can cast extensive shadows, delaying soil warming in spring and slowing the evaporation of frost. This lack of sunlight often reduces the growth rate of pasture or crops on the leeward side, requiring strategic topping to manage light levels.
Do shelterbelts compete for water and nutrients?
Tree roots often extend deep into adjacent paddocks, competing directly with crops for moisture and essential nutrients. This competition is most intense within a distance equal to the tree’s height, which can lead to stunted growth in nearby plants.
Do shelterbelts reduce crop yield near the trees?
Crop yields are frequently lower in the immediate vicinity of a shelterbelt due to the combined effects of root competition and shading. However, this localised loss is typically offset by the increased productivity across the rest of the field where wind protection is most effective.
Can pine shelterbelts affect soil under the trees?
Pine shelterbelts can degrade the soil quality beneath them due to the accumulation of acidic needles and a total lack of sunlight. This often creates a “dead zone” where grass cannot grow, leaving the ground bare and increasingly prone to erosion.
Can shelterbelts create turbulence instead of shelter?
If a shelterbelt is too dense, it acts like a solid wall, causing wind to tumble over the top and creating damaging turbulence on the protected side. An ideal belt should act as a filter, allowing roughly 50% of the wind to pass through to maintain a smooth, calm airflow.
Do shelterbelts increase pest or disease risk?
Shelterbelts can harbour pests, such as birds and insects, and fungal diseases that may migrate into adjacent crops. While they provide habitat for beneficial insects, they can also serve as a bridge for pathogens if the tree species are susceptible to local agricultural diseases.
Are shelterbelts worth it? Pros and cons.
Yes, they are worth it because the wind protection for stock and soil usually outweighs the downsides. The pros include reduced wind chill and farm productivity, while the cons involve trimming costs and lost land near the trees. Regular trimming or topping ensures these benefits continue without the belt becoming a liability.