The best time to plant a tree was a decade ago; the next best time to plant a tree is – today.
The author of that statement is unknown, but was likely the owner of a horse or two and knew full well the connection between planting trees and horse health. So go ahead, order some native trees for planting this spring and one’s local conservation authority will help to get started with a tree plan.
Generally, the best place to plant trees for horse health is just outside the perimeter of the pasture. Planting native trees as opposed to ornamental varieties is important, as they benefit the natural ecosystem and are generally resistant to insect pests and disease. It is important to not over plant and totally shade the pasture, select species that are non-toxic, and select trees that suit wet or dry site conditions.
The roots of trees will further stabilize soil, reduce erosion, and maintain water clarity, absorbing excess nutrients such as nitrates from horse manure. The benefits to a horse include shelter from cold winter and dry summer winds, reduced exposure to sun, further decreasing stress to the horse, and providing a more comfortable living environment. The leaf litter provided by trees as they drop leaves each fall improves the soil fertility of the pasture, resulting in improved nutrient uptake by the horse.
Conservation authorities offer native tree and shrub planting programs at cost, and will provide landowners with advice on species selection suitable to the watershed and beneficial to the horse. Some examples of native and non native trees not recommended around the pasture are red maple (Acer rubrum), Cherry (Prunus sp) and Black Locust (Robinia pseudocacia) due to their toxicity to horses and other livestock.
Other dangerous trees include oaks (Quercus sp), horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), the Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus), pin cherry (Prunus pensylvanica), pine (Pinus sp) and yew (taxus sp). If there already are some of those trees on the property and they are small enough, simply transplant them out of the horses’ reach. If they are too large, fencing around them or re-aligning pasture fencing is a simple solution to protect horses.
Spring is an excellent time to plant, as bareroot trees can be purchased in bulk quantities at wholesale costs through the conservation authority.
Not sure which of the 36 Conservation Authorities to contact? Check the provincial map and contact listing on the Conservation Ontario website at www.Conservation Ontario.on.ca.
This article was prepared by the healthy lands for healthy horses steering committee, which is comprised of representatives from the Ontario Equestrian Federation’s Horse Facilities Council, Uxbridge Horseman’s Association, Ontario Trail Riders Association, Equine Guelph, University of Guelph, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and various Conservation Authorities. Funding for events organized by this committee has been provided by the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association from the Nutrient Management BMP Demonstration Grant funding project.
For more information visit: www.equineguelph.ca/healthylands.php.
Equine Guelph is the horse owners’ and care givers’ Centre at the University of Guelph. It is a unique partnership dedicated to the health and well-being of horses, supported and overseen by equine industry groups. Equine Guelph is the epicentre for academia, industry and government – for the good of the equine industry as a whole. For further information, visit www.equineguelph.ca.
Patricia Lowe is with the Central Lake Conservation Authority
