Tarp your manure pile. The nutrients you are trying to save will stay in the compost, not in surface waters where they can cause problems. Store manure as far as possible from streams, ditches or wetlands to avoid more mud problems and potential environmental impacts. Plant and maintain native trees and shrubs. A mature Douglas fir can absorb 100 to 250 gallons of water per day.
Evergreens have the added advantage of using water in the winter when deciduous trees are dormant.
Using water-loving native shrubs along the outside of paddocks may help keep the area drier, and it will reduce runoff. Trees in pastures and paddocks will need protection from chewing and root compaction. This article was originally published in Winter 2001. Visit our Contact Us page.