Working Trees for Livestock

Click the map to see how working trees can benefit your livestock.

IMAGEMAP

Benefits for All...

Putting trees to work for livestock produces the following benefits for:

  • Water - Trees break the fall of heavy rain, allowing water to percolate into the ground. Tree roots help filter pollutants from runoff and groundwater.

  • The Air - Trees help reduce offensive odors and reduce airborne dust from concentrated livestock areas.

  • The Soil - Tree foliage breaks the fall of heavy rain, helping to prevent erosion and allowing water to infiltrate into the ground. Tree roots hold soil in place.

  • Wildlife - Tree/forage systems and windbreaks provide diversity of habitat and cover for many species of terrestrial wildlife. Fish and other aquatic animals are benefited by the role of trees in reducing erosion and filtering pollutants and agricultural runoff.

  • Plants - Trees in an agricultural setting provide greater plant diversity, making for a healthier ecosystem.

  • Water - Trees create a more aesthetically pleasing landscape, provide a source of income and economic activity, and create settings for active and passive outdoor recreation.

    Protect Your Livestock With Trees

    Trees can be utilized in a number of ways to provide protection for livestock. Windbreaks at the edge of pastures, near feedlots and near dairy, hog and poultry facilities protect livestock from the stressful effects of winter winds and snow. Living barns and shade trees provide protection to herds in open pastures or on the range. A few examples of these practices are shown below.

  • Pasture Windbreaks

    • A windbreak at the edge of a pasture provides herds with protection from wind and blowing snow.

  • Living Barns

    • The encircling trees of a living barn can be the difference in herd survival in open pastures or range in the winter.

  • Shade Trees

    • Shade trees in a pasture provide welcome places where livestock can find relief on hot summer days.

  • Hog and Poultry Facilities

    • Swine and poultry benefit from protective windbreaks and shade-providing trees.

  • Feedlot Windbreaks

    • A feedlot windbreak like this one can reduce wind velocity as much as 70 percent, reducing animal stress.

  • Dairy Herd Protection

    • Barns, pens and milking parlors that are protected by trees can increase milk yields from dairy herds.

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    Last updated 12.12.2000.
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