Choosing Trees for Horse Properties in Australia

Nov 7, 2011
Chris Thomas

Trees Offer Many Benefits to the Horse Property - C. Thomas

When establishing an equine property, the effort taken to put trees in early, determine types and the right position can be well worth it.

Trees offer many benefits for the horse property, including potential savings in money. They can be used for:

Shelter and shade
Assist with a biosecurity border between paddocks
Fodder

Considering the use of Different Trees

When selecting species, it’s worth considering what their most important aspect is needing to be. Is it a fast growing tree that offers shade that’s important? Perhaps one that can be used as fodder in times of drought is more appealing a factor.

Maybe trees that are aesthetically pleasing or that are deciduous, offering the chance for sunlight to pass through branches in winter months are higher on the list. Whatever factor or factors, these will play an important role in what is used around the horse property.

For those wanting trees that will grow well in a particular area, the use of natives is of benefit. One such example is eucalypts in Australia, but their hardiness should be measured against potential downfalls, such as being quite flammable. Each tree should be considered for benefits and downfalls before deciding on a particular type or species.

Fodder for the Horse Property

Trees that offer the above properties as well as being a potential food source in times of drought should be particularly appealing to the horse owner. Such species to consider are tagasaste (the lucerne tree), that has edible leaves and the carob tree with edible seedpods.

The Aesthetics of Trees on a Property

It’s important to consider what looks good, second to what’s safe for horses. A lot of properties utilise poplars down driveways or alongside fence lines. These trees, being quite narrow in width but growing fairly tall, can cause quite a bit of damage when they fall, which isn’t an uncommon occurrence.

Some species to consider that can add to the looks of a property include cypress and other pines. As well as providing something nice to look at, they will offer plenty of shade and be green all year round.

If there are particular trees that would suit your property but will take a long time to grow, consider planting these with fast growing shrubs that will provide effective short term shade and look nice. This will also help once the tree is established, to be an effective wind barrier.

It is worth planning carefully what types of trees will be utilised on a horse property and once this is determined, to efficiently carry out plans so that trees are given plenty of time to get established. Who knows, in the years to come, they may be one of the property’s best assets.