Diversify With Tree/Forage Systems

Utilizing the same acreage for both forage and trees can produce many benefits. By planting the right kinds of crop trees, the air space over existing forage lands can provide income beyond that produced by livestock alone. With proper management to insure adequate sunlight for forage, a pasture with trees can produce substantial beef gains and tree crop returns.

Benefits from
Adding Trees

On pastures or grasslands without existing trees, plant rows of pines or nut-producing trees, spaced to allow adequate sunlight penetration for forage growth. If needed, spaces between rows can be planted in shade-tolerant grasses suitable for your area and climate. When livestock are used to graze the forage, a planned grazing system will be needed to assure proper management of the forage, trees and wildlife habitat.

  • Wood Products
    Timber harvesting for lumber, furniture or pulp-wood can be an ongoing source of income as trees are thinned, selectively cut or harvested at maturity.

  • Nuts & Fruit
    Nuts in commercial demand include walnuts, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts. A wide variety of orchard fruits and berries may also be produced.

  • Wildlife
    Many songbirds, game birds and animal species are attracted by the food, nesting sites and protection provided by trees that are added to existing forage land.

    • Benefits from
    Adding Forage

    Many coniferous woodlands and a few select hardwood plantations can be transformed into tree/forage systems. By selectively removing/harvesting the correct number of trees, enough light will reach the soil to allow growth of forage under the tree canopy. Remaining trees should grow faster and have increased value. Proper livestock grazing or haying of the forages allow for annual returns while the trees mature. Desirable wildlife are often attracted to the extra food and cover.

  • Hay
    Forage not utilized for your own cattle can be mowed, baled and sold as a source of supplemental income. Or a pasture may be rented to others for grazing.

  • Livestock
    The shaded and sheltered forest pasture environment provides protected grazing where livestock can grow faster with less environmental stress.

  • Wildlife
    A forested area that also includes forage is often a more attractive habitat for wildlife than an area with trees alone.

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    Last updated 12.12.2000.
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