PROGRAMS :: Farmscaping with Native Hedgerows
Foreground: A farm ditch erodes and fills with sediments. Background: The ditch is seeded with native grasses. The grasses clean sediments and contaminants from the water. |
North Coast
Plant List
Central Coast
Basic Plant List
What is a hedgerow?
A hedgerow is a line or group of trees, shrubs, perennial forbs, and grass that is planted along field edges, fencelines, drainage channels, property borders, and diverging land-uses. A native plant hedgerow uses plants adapted to your geographical region, which will attract a variety of insects, mammals, reptiles and birds. Farms and ranches around California are planting hedgerows as part of their overall management strategy. They provide year round habitat to beneficial insects, control soil erosion, and enhance water quality and retention.A hedgerow can be installed to connect riparian or other valuable habitat areas, creating a corridor for animal movement. Native plants work extremely well in hedgerows because they provide numerous benefits while requiring little attention once they have established in 2-3 years. When considering a hedgerow installation on your property, determine your specific goals and relevant site variables. Planning, plant choices, and installation naturally follow.
Multiple benefits of native plant hedgerows include:
- preventing soil erosion caused by excessive water run off and wind
- protecting water quality by reducing erosion
- providing habitat to beneficial insects that control agricultural pests
- providing habitat for pollinating insects
- providing habitat for birds and wildlife
- providing wildlife corridors when placed to connect vital habitat zones
- minimizing weeds once larger shrubs and trees get established
- providing a buffer between diverging land uses
- minimizing issues of dust and spray drift
- providing aesthetic beauty
- providing privacy
The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF) is assisting growers and ranchers to plan and install hedgerows. This section of CAFFÍs Web site has relevant lists to help plan your project including: regionally appropriate plants to use, native plant nurseries in the North Coast, plants that attract beneficial insects, and consultants/contractors specializing in hedgerow and other restoration projects. Contact your local Resource Conservation District or the Natural Resources Conservation Service to inquire about cost-share opportunities for your project.
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