Suitable Uses for MCSN Seedlings
Farmstead Windbreaks
A Farmstead Windbreak is a planting of trees and shrubs perpendicular to prevailing winds. Farmstead Windbreaks are designed to reduce undesirable effects of strong winds, control drifting snow, and provide wildlife habitat. A minimum of three rows are necessary to have a successful windbreak. Best performance is obtained by having a different kind of tree or shrub in each row. Windbreaks protect livestock, crops and structures from wind. The success of a Windbreak planting depends on plant selection, spacing, location and amount of care provided. Design, location and proper species can affect windbreak efficiency. A guide for landowners in planning, planting and maintaining windbreaks is available at the MCSN or at your local MSU Extension Office. Please contact the Nursery, (406) 542-4244, if you would like a publication mailed.
Shelterbelts
A Shelterbelt is a strip of trees or shrubs planted perpendicular to prevailing winds. Shelterbelts alter wind speed and the rate of erosion. Taller trees provide protection for greater distances than shorter trees. However, a row of smaller trees may need to be planted to fill in the lower level gaps.
Reforestation
Reforestation is the reestablishment of forest cover by planting a combination of trees and shrubs suitable to the area. Reforestation usually maintains the same forest type and is done promptly after a previous stand was removed either by wildfire or harvesting.
Erosion Control
Erosion Control is the practice of preventing or reducing rapid wind or water erosion. This usually involves the creation of some sort of physical barrier, such as vegetation or rock, to absorb the energy of the wind or water causing the erosion. Plants stabilize the soil with their roots and also reduce wind speed. Effective erosion controls are importan t techniques in preventing water pollution and soil loss.
Living Snow Fences
Similar to a Shelterbelt or Windbreak, a Living Snow Fence is planted
specifically for snow control along state, county or private roads.
They consist of a combination of trees and shrubs planted to improve
snow control by providing greater snow storage capacity and prevent
snowdrifts from blocking driveways and roads. Living Snow
Fences are long life materials in contrast to the traditional slatted
snow fences and once established, they provide wildlife habitat, erosion
control and livestock protection. A minimum of three rows is recommended
for effective wind control and added snow storage but single or double
row plantings may be sufficient in some cases.
Stream Bank Stabilization
Planting for Wildlife Habitat provides food, living space, and cover for a variety of wildlife species. Mixed plantings of trees and fruit bearing shrubs supply shelter and food such as fruit, foliage, buds and twigs. Woody plantings provide nesting habitats for many songbirds. Multiple layers of different shrub and tree plantings are of greater value to wildlife and multiple groupings of 5 or more trees of mixed species will be beneficial for many wildlife species.
Wildlife Habitat
Planting for Wildlife Habitat provides food, living space, and cover for a variety of wildlife species. Mixed plantings of trees and fruit bearing shrubs supply shelter and food such as fruit, foliage, buds and twigs. Woody plantings provide nesting habitats for many songbirds. Multiple layers of different shrub and tree plantings are of greater value to wildlife and multiple groupings of 5 or more trees of mixed species will be beneficial for many wildlife species.
Riparian Planting
Riparian plantings consist of a combination of grasses, trees, and shrubs that improve riparian habitats. Riparian strips slow water flow, reduce downstream flooding, and hold stream bank soil during flooding. Plants such as willows and cottonwood hold sediment and also reduce stream bank erosion. Riparian plantings are beneficial for a variety of birds and animals who find food, cover and relief from temperature extremes. Fish need healthy riparian areas for sustained water supply, cool water and aquatic vegetation and stream-bank shelters.
