Shelterbelts
Shelterbelts play a crucial role in reducing wind speed and minimizing wind erosion. There are two types of shelterbelts:
- Farmstead Shelterbelts – Protect homes, buildings, and yards from wind and erosion.
- Field Shelterbelts – Complement, rather than replace, residue management as part of a conservation system to protect soil quality.
Shelterbelt Assistance Program
With the closure of the Indian Head Shelterbelt Center, free shelterbelt trees are no longer available. However, the Agricultural Services Department offers support to producers through:
- Planning, organizing, ordering, and planting shelterbelts
- Collaboration with the Eastern Irrigation District’s Partners in Habitat Development (PHD) Program
- Free assistance for shelterbelt planning and planting (tree costs and shipping paid by producers)
Eligibility & Program Guidelines
- Only trees ordered through the Shelterbelt Program (via the nursery chosen by Agricultural Services & PHD) are eligible.
- No other trees will be ordered, supplied, or planted by the Ag Services Department.
- Shelterbelts must be designed to limit soil erosion and/or protect livestock to qualify.
- Community projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis and require approval from the Director of Agricultural Services.
- Producers are responsible for the cost of seedlings and shipping.
For more information or assistance with shelterbelt planning, contact the Agricultural Services Department.
For more information on the Eastern Irrigation District, Shelterbelt program visit www.eid.ca or call 403-362-1400.
For more information on farmstead shelterbelts and field shelterbelts check out the links below:
Agri Facts: Shelterbelts in Alberta
Shelterbelts for Livestock Farms in Alberta
To Order Trees, visit https://treetime.ca/