United States Department of Agriculture

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**Indiana - March 2007** (ver. 1.0)

**Shelterbelt Establishment**

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Shelterbelts are established to protect or shelter farmsteads or
livestock areas from troublesome winds and snow deposition. These
plantings also are designed to save energy, provide wildlife habitat,
enhance aesthetics, and increase carbon storage. Also, when used as a
living screen, shelterbelts control views, reduce noise, and intercept
chemical drift.

**CRP POLICY**

To be eligible for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the acreage
offered must be cropland that meets eligibility requirements as
determined by the Farm Service Agency (FSA).

Shelterbelts will be installed according to the Windbreak/Shelterbelt
Establishment Standard (380) in the local Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS) Field Office. **CRP policy allows a shelterbelt to be
applied up to a maximum width of up to 2 times the design standard from
the local NRCS FOTG for protecting farmsteads or livestock areas.**

**[Minimum Design:]{.underline}**

*Normal Design*: a three row shelterbelt consisting of at least two tree
rows which contains at least one evergreen conifer row.

*Alternative design* (in cases of severe space limitation): A twin-row
high density design.

Plant trees and shrubs a minimum of eight feet from property lines, crop
fields, and fences or the distance of the mature plant drip line,
whichever is greater.

Do not plant woody vegetation that will interfere with fences,
utilities, roads, legal drains or other easement areas. Shelterbelts
shall be designed to prevent snow drifting and ice hazards. When shrub
rows are planned they should be planted as outside rows of the
shelterbelt.

For wind protection the ideal shelterbelt location is a distance of 2-5H
(H is the design height of the tallest tree row at 20 years) from the
farmstead or location needing protection.

Table. 1 Plant Spacing

+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Within Rows                                   | Spacing (ft.)         |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Shrubs                                        | 3-8                   |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Narrow Crowned Trees                          | 6-10                  |
|                                               |                       |
| (Cedar and columnar varieties)                |                       |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Normal Crowned Trees                          | 12-16                 |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Between Rows                                  | Spacing (ft.)         |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Shrub Rows                                    | 6-8                   |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Tree Rows                                     | 12-16                 |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Tree/Shrub Rows                               | 8-16                  |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+
| Twin Row High Density                         | 4-12                  |
+-----------------------------------------------+-----------------------+

**PLANTING**

Site-specific requirements are listed on the attached Specifications
Sheet. Any changes to these specifications should be approved by NRCS.

All acreage must be planted within 12 months of contract approval to
remain in compliance. If circumstances beyond the landowner's control
prohibit the planting within the first 12 months, the local FSA County
Committee may approve an extension to the next planting season.

It is very important to plant the vegetation into a weed-free seedbed.
Weed control efforts should begin prior to planting, and may require
multiple applications in both the fall and spring prior to planting. Use
herbicides or tillage ([however do not use spring tillage for tree
planting]{.underline}) to eliminate competing vegetation. If necessary
for erosion control, seed a temporary cover. Eliminate the temporary
vegetation at planting time with tillage or herbicides.

Bare rooted stock (seedlings) shall not be planted when the soil is
frozen or dry and will be planted with the root collars approximately at
or slightly below the ground line. Bare rooted stock shall be planted in
the spring after the ground thaws, but no later than June 1.

**Weed Control** **During Establishment Period:** For information on
herbicide controls, contact a local consultant or Purdue Extension
Specialist. [Always apply herbicides according to labeled
directions.]{.underline}

**Weed Control** **After Establishment Period:** Weed control is also
important to ensure survival and maximum growth of the trees
[after]{.underline} they are planted. Nine (9) ft^2^ around each tree
should remain weed-free to maximize tree growth. [Mowing is not
recommended for weed control for trees.]{.underline}

CRP cost share is authorized for one weed control application within 24
months after planting a shelterbelt.

**Operation and Maintenance**

Noxious weeds and other undesirable plants, insects, and pests shall be
controlled, including such maintenance as necessary to avoid detrimental
effects to the surrounding land.

***After*** the Final Status Review or 3 years (whichever comes first),
maintain the planting according to your CRP conservation plan.
Maintenance activities are allowed only on a spot basis and only if
necessary to maintain stand health, maintain stand diversity, or control
pests that will damage the CRP cover or adjacent lands. MOWING and other
maintenance activities are not allowed between April 1 to August 1 to
protect ground-nesting wildlife (i.e. - the Primary Nesting and
Brood-Rearing season). If maintenance activities are needed during these
times, the FSA County Committee **[must]{.underline}** approve the
maintenance activity **[prior to]{.underline}** the activity occurring.

**Mowing for generic weed control or for cosmetic purposes is
prohibited.**

Exclude all acres from haying and grazing year round, unless authorized.
Fences may need to be constructed and maintained to exclude livestock
throughout the entire year.

The contract area cannot be used for field roads or other uses that will
damage or destroy the cover. Shelterbelts should be inspected on a
seasonal basis and following major storm and runoff events. Any damages
or sediment accumulation that would adversely impair the function of the
shelterbelt must be corrected immediately, at the landowner\'s expense.

The landowner will replace dead trees and shrubs as needed to insure
that the shelterbelt functions as intended. The landowner is responsible
for replacing dead plants (cost share may be available if approved by
FSA). In addition, trees should be pruned to maintain central stems and
eliminate forks and multiple leaders.

**Table 1. Common Shelterbelt** Species

  --------------------------------- ------------------ -------------------
  Species                           Soil               20 Year Ht. Ave.
                                    Drainage**^1^**    (feet)**^2^**

  **Conifer Species**                                  

  Baldcypress**^3^**                VPD-WD             35\>

  White Pine                        MWD-WD             35\>

  Virginia Pine**^4^**              MWD-ED             16-25

  **Dense Conifer Species**                            

  Eastern Red Cedar                 SPD-ED             16-25

  Northern White Cedar**^5^**       PD-WD              16-25

  Norway Spruce                     SPD-WD             26-35

  **Deciduous Hardwood Species**                       

  Black Gum                         PD-WD              26-35

  Oak, Black                        MWD-ED             26-35

  Oak, Bur                          PD-ED              26-35

  Oak, Pin                          VPD-WD             35\>

  Oak, Red                          MWD-WD             26-35

  Oak, Shumard                      SPD-WD             26-35

  Oak, Swamp White                  VPD-WD             26-35

  Oak, White                        MWD-WD             26-35

  River Birch                       VPD-WD             35\>

  Silver Maple                      VPD-WD             35\>

  Sycamore                          PD-WD              35\>

  Tulip Tree                        MWD-WD             35\>

  **Shrub and Small Tree Species**                     

  America Plum                      MWD-ED             16-25

  Black Chokeberry                  SPD-WD             \<8

  Blackhaw                          MWD-WD             8-15

  Buttonbush                        VPD-WD             \<8

  Dogwood, Flowering                MWD-WD             8-15

  Dogwood, Gray                     SPD-WD             \<8

  Dogwood, Silky                    VPD-WD             \<8

  Elderberry                        VPD-WD             \<8

  Hazelnut                          MWD-WD             8-15

  Highbush Cranberry                VPD-WD             \<8

  Ninebark                          VPD-WD             \<8

  Redbud                            MWD-WD             8-15

  Smooth Sumac                      MWD-ED             8-15

  Washington Hawthorn               SPD-ED             16-25
  --------------------------------- ------------------ -------------------

**^1^** VPD=very poorly drained, PD=poorly drained,

SPD=somewhat poorly drained, MWD=moderately well drained, WD=well
drained, ED=excessively drained

**^2^** On sites where the species are well adapted

**^3^** Recommended in Central and Southern Indiana as documented in
eFOTG Sect. II Windbreaks

**^4^** Recommended in Southern Indiana as documented in eFOTG Sect. II
Windbreaks

**^5^** Recommended in Northern and Central Indiana as documented in
eFOTG Sect. II Windbreaks

  ---------------- ----------- ------------ ------- --------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------
  **CP16A                                                                                                
  SPECIFICATIONS                                                                                         
  SHEET**                                                                                                

  **Landowner:**               **     **                                       **County:**   **     **   

  **Farm:**        **     **   **Tract:**           **Field(s):**              Acres:        **Date:**        
  ---------------- ----------- ------------ ------- --------------- ---------- ------------- ----------- ----------

Planting Plan(s)

  ----------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ------------
  **Shelterbelt                                                   
  (Site ID or                                                     
  Description^1^)                                                 
       **                                                         

  **Soil Type(s)**  **     **                                     

  **Length**        **     **                                     

  **Width**         **     **                                     

                    **Species**       **Total     **Plant Spacing 
                                      Needed**    (Ft)**          

  **Row 1**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  1**             

                    **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                  1&2**           

  **Row 2**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  2**             

                    **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                  2&3**           

  **Row 3**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  3**             

                    **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                  3&4**           

  **Row 4**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  4**             

                    **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                  4&5**           

  **Row 5**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  5**             

                    **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                  5&6**           

  **Row 6**         **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                  6**             

                    **     **         **     **                   
  ----------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ------------

  --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
  **Total                                                               
  Trees/Shrubs                                                          
  Needed by                                                             
  Species**                                                             

  **Species**     **Number**   **Species**   **Number**   **Species**   **Number**

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **
  --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------

  ---------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ------------
  **Shelterbelt                                                  
  (Site ID or                                                    
  Desription^1^)                                                 
       **                                                        

  **Soil Type(s)** **     **                                     

  **Length**       **     **                                     

  **Width**        **     **                                     

                   **Species**       **Total     **Plant Spacing 
                                     Needed**    (Ft)**          

  **Row 1**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 1**             

                   **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                 1&2**           

  **Row 2**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 2**             

                   **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                 2&3**           

  **Row 3**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 3**             

                   **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                 3&4**           

  **Row 4**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 4**             

                   **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                 4&5**           

  **Row 5**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 5**             

                   **     **         **     **   **Between Rows  **     **
                                                 5&6**           

  **Row 6**        **     **         **     **   **Within Row    **     **
                                                 6**             

                   **     **         **     **                   
  ---------------- ----------------- ----------- --------------- ------------

  --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------
  **Total                                                               
  Trees/Shrubs                                                          
  Needed by                                                             
  Species**                                                             

  **Species**     **Number**   **Species**   **Number**   **Species**   **Number**

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **

  **     **       **     **    **     **     **     **    **     **     **     **
  --------------- ------------ ------------- ------------ ------------- ------------

**^1^** Indicate on plan map

+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Before Planting**                         |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Tillage Methods**: **     **              | Dates **     **        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~1~ (per label)** **     **      | Dates: **     **       |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~2~ (per label):      **         | Dates: **     **       |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Alsike Clover (if desired):** 2 lbs./acre | Dates: **     **       |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Other:      **                            |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Planting Method in Year**                 |                        |
| [    ]{.underline}                          |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Tree Planting Method**: **     **         | **Dates:** **     **   |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~1~ (per label):** **     **     | **Dates:** **     **   |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~2~ (per label):** **     **     | **Dates:** **     **   |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Other:      **                            |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Post Planting Maintenance and Weed        |                        |
| Control**                                   |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Maintain** a 3-ft. weed & grass-free      |                        |
| radius for up to 3 years around each tree   |                        |
| for optimal growth                          |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~1~ (per label):** **     **     | Dates: **     **       |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Herbicide~2~ (per label):** **     **     | Dates: **     **       |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Other** (corrective pruning, replacement  |                        |
| of dead trees etc.):                        |                        |
|                                             |                        |
| NOTE: [after]{.underline} the Final Status  |                        |
| Review has been issued, all maintenance     |                        |
| activities will not occur between April 1   |                        |
| to August 1, and will occur on a "spot"     |                        |
| basis [only]{.underline}, unless prior      |                        |
| approval is granted by the County           |                        |
| Committee.                                  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **Mid-Contract Management**                 |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+
| **The predominant cover will be trees so    |                        |
| Mid-Contract Management is not required.**  |                        |
+---------------------------------------------+------------------------+

**ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:      **

**     **