If sheep are allowed to browse young trees they may consume the terminal leaders or upper branches causing undesirable growth patterns. This could lead to severe malformation or death. Larger trees where the crown is out of reach of the animals are not at risk of such damage. It has been found that younger lambs are more apt to damage trees than older stock. If a producer decides to graze in younger timber stands the use of tree shelters or animal repellents is recommended.
Many products exist to provide protection to the tree while allowing the sheep to graze around it.
A producer interested in using sheep in this management system may want to consider some form of rotational grazing. By rotating the livestock you do not allow them to inflict severe grazing damage or soil compaction. Soil compaction is a major concern because it ruins the soil structure, causing reduced water and air infiltration and increasing water surface runoff. Proper animal management and rotational grazing can reduce these concerns. If these management practices are correctly carried out, the rewards can be innumerable.