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HERE’S THE ‘HOW TO PLAN A

SHELTERBELT’

Some clients like to get more of a variety of trees for their

EVERYTHING ABOUT
PLANTING A SHELTERBELT
How to build a Shelterbelt - the basics
Shelterbelts are most widely used in areas of prevailing winds.
Usually, that is North and west, but that will vary depending on
your location. Shelterbelts can also be used along roadways to
trap snow and prevent blowing snow from covering
entranceways to and from your property. Areas of wanted
privacy are also a great reason to plant a row of trees. Most
people would consider doing 3-5 rows of trees and shrubs,
five being very thorough. Most clients prefer to start with a 3
row and work from there if desired not to overwhelm
themselves.
Shelterbelt. For example, in the ‘shrub row’ a western
chokecherry, lilac, Saskatoon, caragana. Reasons for that
are not just because of diversity in landscape, but also if
potential diseases came through your area. It would not
have the capacity to infect everything, as not all varieties are
affected by pests and disease. Remember! There are no
rules, and creativity is encouraged! With fall colors,
flowering plants, and using different plant materials, an
artful palette can be easily created for your enjoyment for
years to come. If some assistance is still required, please
call our office at (403) 507-8340 or email
trees@prairieshelterbeltprogram.ca

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12/5/21, 7:07 PM Build a Shelterbelt | Alberta, Canada | Prairie Shelter Belt Program

To build a Shelterbelt, you would generally choose an

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evergreen, such as Colorado spruce or white spruce, for one 
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row. Then the middle row would be a fast-growing deciduous
choice, such as poplar or willow. The third row is a shrub, the
most poplar being a lilac, but many choices are available. If
continuing to a 5 row, one would usually plant another
deciduous row and a shrub row. 5 row: Shrub ( outside
farthest away ), deciduous, evergreen, deciduous, shrub
(closest to living quarters). Make a mountain-like structure. 3
row: evergreen ( farthest away) deciduous, shrub ( closest).

The evergreen row is generally on the outside of the property,

farthest away from outbuildings and residences. And the
shrub row is generally on the inside, closest to your buildings.
If you’re doing a 5 row, you’ll have a shrub as the farthest
outside row.

To figure out how many trees and shrubs you’ll need is easy.
Spacing is 10 feet for trees and 3 feet for shrubs. You can find
out your length in feet and crunch the numbers. For example,
one bundle of trees has ten trees. For a 100 foot row, 100
divided by 10 = 1 bundle needed. The spacing between rows
should be about 8 feet. The further apart it is, the easier the
wind will come through those areas.

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12/5/21, 7:07 PM Build a Shelterbelt | Alberta, Canada | Prairie Shelter Belt Program

Now taking orders for spring 2022!

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SHELTERBELT
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SITE LINKS CONTACT INFO

HOME  Po Box 1930 Sundre, Alberta
T0M 1X0
ABOUT

SHOP SEEDLINGS  trees@prairieshelterbeltprogram.ca

HOW TO PLANT A SHELTERBELT  Office: (403) 507-8340

FAQ  Fax: (403) 507-2336

SEEDLING DELIVERY  Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM -

5:00 PM
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

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