What are "Working Trees"?
Working trees are trees used in conservation and production systems on farms and ranches. They have a job to do,
whether it's increasing income, protecting natural resources, or making our lives a iittle more enjoyable.
"Working Trees" is a theme title designed to promote the science and practice of "agroforestry." Agroforestry
is a term that agriculturists and foresters have defined to include most practices where trees and shrubs are
intentionally integrated into agricultural crop, forage, or livestock operations. Practices like windbreaks,
riparian buffer strips, alley cropping, forest farming, and silvopasture use the same land to produce both forest
and agricultural products, while at the same time conserve natural resources. Using working trees simply means
planting the right trees, in the right place, at the right time, and in the right design to get a specific job done.
Silvopasture is the integration of trees with livestock operations. Silvopasture provides multipie benefits
to landowners. If managed properly, trees in a livestock operation can reduce stress on livestock, while at the same
time maintain forage production. Furthermore, by adding trees to forage systems, a landowner can receive additional
income on the same land from timber products, Christmas trees, nut/fruit crops, or commercial wildlife or recreational
opportunities.
What are Silvopastoral Systems?
Most people are accustomed to a single use of forest land or rangeland. Forest land and rangeland are basically
used to produce crops, forage, livestock, forest products or to support wildlife. Silvopasture applies where livestock
uses overlap with forest production. Silvopasture has become an important tool to improve income opportunities on farms
and ranches in the Southeastern United States. The concept of silvopasture provides both forest production and forage or
livestock production simultaneously. The trees are ultimately managed for high value sawlogs
(intermediate harvesting may produce pulpwood or posts and poles) and at the same time provide shade and
shelter for livestock and forage. Trees can be planted into current forage systems, or woodlands can be
thinned to accommodate additional growth of forage.
