Field Shelterbelt Pruning

Side-trimming a caragana shelterbelt encourages new growth and prolongs its lifespan. Mature caragana shelterbelts should not be trimmed to less than 3 metres in width.

Top-trimming a caragana shelterbelt reduces windthrow of old, weak branches and encourages new growth.

Trimming and pruning must be done during the dormant period (October-April) and is best done during cold weather since cleaner cutting results.

Cutting a caragana shelterbelt back to ground level encourages new growth and prolongs shelterbelt life. Special caution should be taken on erosive soils to protect the soil with other conservation measures during the period of shelterbelt regrowth.

Control of perennial grass in shelterbelts by cultivation or herbicides revitalizes belts by reducing root-binding of trees and shrubs.

Replacement of any shelterbelts is recommended only if the shelterbelt has seriously deteriorated. Caragana shelterbelts will seldom need to be replaced while old shelterbelts containing short-lived tree species such as Manitoba maple and Siberian elm are more likely to need replacements.

The replacement shelterbelt should be planted leeward of the existing shelterbelt prior to the removal of the old belt. The new belt should be at least 6 metres from the edge of an existing caragana shelterbelt and at least 10 metres from the edge of an existing tree shelterbelt. Regrowth from the old shelterbelt is minimized when removal is done during the summer.

Thinning and pruning of deadwood is encouraged if an effective shelterbelt can be maintained. Removal of live, healthy material is not renovation since it reduces shelterbelt protection and damages the shelterbelt.

Root-pruning is not a renovation measure as it increases stress to the shelterbelt and does not contribute to the protection value of the shelterbelt.