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April 22, 2026 - Trees in Your Toolbox

Shelterbelts and eco-buffers, living tools with living solutions

As spring slowly pushes back lingering snowfall, there is an extended opportunity to think about this upcoming season’s yard and property planning. This brief pause offering the chance to consider how trees can be intentionally used as practical, versatile tools in your land management toolbox.

Trees are more than just complimentary features on a property — they are living tools that provide growing infrastructure. When planted effectively, especially in a shelterbelt or eco-buffer design, trees can help address many challenges landowners may face.

Shelterbelts are strategically planted rows of trees or shrubs designed to protect buildings, livestock, and fields by reducing wind, trapping snow, and moderating temperatures. They are also commonly planted to provide both privacy and shade. Eco-buffers are similar to shelterbelts, however they aim to mimic more of a natural forested area. They are typically multiple rows with multiple species per row, and are planted at a high density

As is expressed by the Agroforestry and Woodlot Extension Society (AWES), trees play significant roles in soil conservation, water quality protection, groundwater recharge, and snow, wind, and runoff management. They contribute to nutrient cycling and provide both shelter and wildlife habitat. 

For a landowner that may be having trouble with wind or snow, building or purchasing a windbreak may be the first thought when addressing these concerns. Although this provides a prompt solution, this would also be an opportune time to consider planting a shelterbelt.

In addition to the snow and wind protection, the trees would also be providing additional services to the landowner and surrounding environment that an inanimate solution like a windbreak would not be able to provide. Shelterbelts and eco-buffer demonstrate how trees can address practical challenges while also strengthening long-term landscape function and resilience.

Some of the best tools require the most investment — whether that be saving up funds or learning new skills required to operate them. With trees, the main investment is time. There is a well-known saying that the best time to plant a tree was generations ago, and the second-best time is now. 

Careful planning is also necessary to utilize trees to their full potential on your property. The effectiveness of trees in providing ecosystem and practical services depends on careful design and plant selection, site preparation and proper planting, and early and long-term maintenance.

If you are thinking about adding trees to your toolbox, check out Clearwater County’s Conifer Tree Seedling Program. The program, made possible with West Fraser partnership, offers residents the chance to purchase affordable white spruce and lodgepole pine seedlings.

With an estimated late June to early July delivery, these seedlings are great for helping to establish a shelterbelt or to rejuvenate a wooded area. Seedlings come in bundles of fifteen pine or fifteen spruce at $5.00 per bundle, with a minimum purchase of five bundles.

To order, complete an application form and return it with payment to the Agriculture and Community Services office, or by email to landcare@clearwatercounty.ca. Orders must be accompanied by payment at the time of application. If you have questions, please give us a call at 403-845-4444.