By Liz Samis
MAPLETON – This past winter has been a challenge for drivers, with high winds, poor visibility and snow whipped around in all directions.
It is easy to see the benefits of those windbreaks that have been planted by landowners and also to see the areas where more windbreaks are very much needed as you drive around the township.
The Trees for Mapleton committee is encouraging farmers and land owners to consider planting more windbreaks.
There are funding sources available under the Grand River Conservation Authority’s (GRCA) Rural Water Quality Program as well as getting trees from Green Legacy.
For those wanting to plant windbreaks, under the Rural Water Quality Program in Wellington, there is a cost-share of 80 per cent of the costs up to $7,500 per farm for tree planting.
If you have maxed out that program, there may be other avenues available.
Plastic mulch application is eligible for funding through the Rural Water Quality Program and Trees for Mapleton has funds to top up projects to a 100% coverage for the plastic mulch component.
The Trees for Mapleton committee has access to a plastic mulch applicator in the township for rent or hire.
Plastic mulch helps provide weed control and moisture conservation but it is not always practical and does require more planning.
Meghan Clay at the GRCA can help advise farmers and landowners about planting windbreaks and about using plastic mulch.
There are people in the area who can assist on-farm installation or rent out equipment to lay down the plastic mulch.
Now is a good time to assess where a windbreak makes sense on a farm and Clay can talk with landowners about what they are wanting to accomplish and about getting a plan in place.
A well designed and managed windbreak can produce yield increases far into the field and make up for the small amount of land taken out of production.
Let’s think about next winter and get some more trees in place.
For more information on planting windbreaks, contact Meghan Clay at 519-621-2763 ext. 2259 or mclay@grandriver.ca.
The GRCA and Trees for Mapleton committee will be at the Drayton Farm Show March 27 and 28.
