Field Edges

[birdog]

I'm having my field edges cleared of undesirable plants and small trees. What's a good option to create a "soft edge" around my fields? I was initially thinking switch grass but thought I should ask to see if there might be a better option.

 

[Native Hunter]

It depends on the layout. By field edge I assume you mean the edge of a woods. Switch will grow at the edge of a woods, but it won't be as thick and nice due to tree roots sucking away moisture and nutrients. Also, sunlight is a factor. The north edge of a woods is notorious for being even tougher growing conditions, because of reduced sunlight.

Shrubs that fit the soil type and available sunlight are the best bet for right next to the timber. A hearty shrub in my area for those conditions is Arrowwood Viburnum. It makes great edge screening, and deer browse it really well. Rough leaf dogwood and some of the other bushy dogwoods have also done well for me - however, it appears that I'm too far south for Red Osier Dogwood. Any space left open where I live will soon fill up with wild blackberry. Some of that is okay, but it can take over. Best wishes.

 

[yoderjac]

The cheapest and a very effective approach is those undesirable plants and small trees. Once it is cleared, just let nature take it's course. When it gets almost too big for your bushhog to handle, bushhog it back. This keeps it in early succession. It is amazing how quickly it will bounce back and form a soft edge. Depending on the size of your equipment, it can be quite a few years before you need to bushhog it again to set it back.