Did you know that a streamside buffer, or tree buffer, can provide natural land protection with multiple benefits to your operation?
The best way to plant a tree buffer is with the help of a local expert who will work with you to meet the needs of your operation. But understanding the 3 main steps you’ll cover together before you begin can be helpful:
1. Know Your Zones
The most impactful tree buffers have 3 different categories, or zones, of plantings that change as you move away from the water’s edge. This “3 Zone Concept” groups plants strategically for maximum benefit to waterways – and your land. Zones are the framework you and your advisor will use to plant a buffer.
Zone 1
This is the tree zone and is closest to the water. Trees have deep roots that help keep streambanks stable. Their canopy provides shade for both aquatic and land animals and helps balance water temperatures to promote healthy fish populations. Plus deadwood and leaf litter help prevent erosion in the streambed itself and promote a healthy aquatic habitat.
Zone 2
The middle zone contains both larger trees with smaller trees and shrubs beneath. Here, water can better soak into the soil, preventing nutrient loss from farm fields into local streams and waterways. Depending on the plant varieties used, this zone can be harvested and honey produced here, providing an additional source of revenue for land owners.
Zone 3
Farthest from the water, this is the transition zone between zones 1 and 2 and adjacent farmland. It contains a combination of grasses, broad-leafed herbaceous plants and wildflowers. The right design in this zone can improve soil health by increasing its water holding capacity and ability to absorb nutrients, and manage water flow. It also provides food and shelter for wildlife, including pollinators.
2. Research Your Plants
Now that you know your zones, it’s time to work with your advisor to research which plants will work best. Native varieties thrive in the local habitat. You also want to plant a variety of species that will support one another and meet the needs of your operation.
When considering tree species, think about the unique aspects of your land, including the changes to waterways throughout the year. Ask
What type of roots do I need? Shallow roots hold surface soils well while deeper roots bring stability to steep banks.
How much light do I need? Understory trees and shrubs must have enough light to thrive.
Is flood tolerance a priority? Trees with a combination of flexible yet sturdy trunks and brittle branches can withstand heavy flooding.
How fast will it grow? Trees with a fast growth rate quickly establish root systems to hold soil.
How tall will it get? Trees should grow tall enough to provide adequate shade for the stream.
Combining species can benefit your buffer in the following ways:
- Increases biodiversity
- Improves wildlife habitat
- Increases plant resiliency
- Accounts for species with varying life cycles
Furthest from the water, a dense, herbaceous cover with no trees or shrubs works best.
Warm season, native grasses have an extensive, deep root system that helps slow the flow of water and improves soil quality.
Cool season grasses grow quickly and help to cover areas susceptible to erosion.
Wildflowers and other broad-leafed herbaceous plants add variety, stability and provide for wildlife.
3. Get Started
Measure it out
Before you start digging, you’ll want to think about what you want your buffer to do. Then, take a look around. Consider slope, soil type, adjacent land use, floodplain, vegetation type and the watershed condition of your land. Next, you and your advisor can measure.
The most common width for streamside buffers is 35 feet per side minimum with up to at least 100 ft preferable for increasing benefits. Narrower buffers provide some benefits, such as shade, but wider buffers are necessary to keep streams healthy.
Prep it
Site preparation should begin the fall prior to planting and may include physical and herbicidal methods for both vegetation control and streambank stabilization. Consider these tips depending on prior land use:
Row crops: Disk the ground in spring and seed the area with a low-maintenance cover crop, such as annual rye grass or a cool season grass.
Pasture land: Eliminate competing perennial vegetation with herbicides, cutting and pulling.
Abandoned fields: Release desired saplings and shrubs from competition by undesired species by spraying herbicides, cutting back overgrowth and mowing.
Plant it
The time to plant is early spring. To get started, remember a few tips:
- Order plants early to ensure best selection
- Use high-quality stock with good root systems
- Purchase 10-15% more to use as replacement plantings
- Seeds should be ordered as PLS (Pure Live Seed) for best results
- Plant as soon as they arrive or keep cool and moist if not
Maintaining Your Streamside Buffer
For the first few years, weed control and protection from wildlife such as deer is essential for the survival and rapid growth of new plants in the buffer. Depending on the zone, this may be a combination of mulch, weed control fabrics, shallow cultivation, pre-emergent herbicides and mowing.
Longer term, plan to inspect your buffer once a year and after every severe weather event. Control grasses and fast-growing tree species to maintain balance in the area. Also, avoid work in the area from April 15-August 15 when wildlife is mating or caring for young.
Ready to learn more? Resources, including technical and financial assistance, are available to farmers like you.
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