COPPICE AGROFORESTRY: TENDING TREES FOR PRODUCT, PROFIT, AND WOODLAND ECOLOGY
  • The Book
  • About the Author
  • Gallery
  • Case Studies
  • Resources
  • Blog

coppice agroforestry:
Tending trees for product, Profit,
and woodland ecology

Hedgerow Layout Part 2

2/8/2014

31 Comments

 
In my last post detailing the selection and design process for a multi-functional hedgerow on my developing homestead in Vermont's Champlain Valley, I described the 11.5 acre parcel, explained my goals and the desired functions for this 1/2 acre planting, and discussed the species selection process.  Here I'll describe the way I came up with the planting layout and design for this project.

With such a broad diversity of species on the way, I looked for simple patterns I could use to break up the landscape into smaller, more manageable groupings.  As the topo map of the site shows, the property has a southern orientation, and the slope transitions from being fairly steep - perhaps 12-15% grade along the northern 1/3 to somewhat flat 3-5% as you progress further south.  My observations during the first season there had suggested that the steepness of the slope strongly correlated to the depth of the water table and the relative wetness of the soils.  

Generally, my site has heavy clay soils - called 'Vergennes clay' locally.  A soil test carried out by Logan Labs in Ohio found that the lower part of the property is mineral rich with a high cation exchange capacity (13.28).  pH is 6.2 and 7.36% organic matter.  A soil particle analysis revealed the extent of the fines in the soil matrix - 44% clay, 44% silt and 12% sand.

Probably the strongest single inspiration compelling me to experiment with such a diverse planting was the incredible species diversity in the 40 acres of woods I'd also purchased.  This remnant patch of 'valley clayplain forest', a now relatively rare ecological community that once blanketed the vast majority of the Champlain Valley, supports close to 30 species of woody plants.  Something of a transition zone between the northern hardwood communities comprised of birch, maple, beech, cherry and hemlock and the oak-hickory forests that cover large expanses of the forestlands further south, the heavy soils contribute to significant site productivity, despite the challenges of an often high water table.  In short though, I knew this land is capable of supporting a broad diversity of woody plants.

All this information suggested a fairly simple pattern by which to plan.  I broke the ~850' long north-south planting belt up into 2 broad sections - 'uplands' and 'bottomlands' - based on the slope and observed tendency to pool water during heavy rain events.  This gave me the ability to start to categorize species based on their soil moisture tolerances and start to develop a skeletal framework to design the planting.

Secondly, I knew that I wanted the planting to have a 'stepped' character from west to east like the design of a classic shelterbelt/windbreak - starting with shrubs and small trees along the western edge, and steadily increasing in height to the east.  I had planned a very dense planting - roughly 5-6' between individuals - because the primary function here was the privacy screen the plants would provide.  Since I know that the planting will suffer some mortality, this gives me some wiggle room as well once gaps begin to develop.  And because my main intention was not to manage for mature 'standard' trees but rather more of a thicket of coppice stools, this high density should allow me achieve high productivity in a fairly small space.  After all, it's easy to cut down a tree if I find it too close to another 5-10 years down the line, but I can't easily (or economically) plant a 10 year old tree to fill in a missing gap.

So at 6' spacings, this 30' wide belt would give me about 5 'rows' worth of plants from west to east.  This gave me the other structural pattern I could use to start to refine my planting layout.  I assigned each species a number based on the 'row' I deemed it best suited with 1 being the lowest row on the western edge, 4 being the tallest, and 5 being the position most interior to the property - the one for which I'll have most easy access.  Since another key goal here is fruit/nut production, I chose to reserve the innermost row for species that provided this function - hazelnuts, plums, apricots, elderberry, serviceberry, crab apple, aronia, etc.  This gives me the most convenient access to these plantings for grafting (none of these are selected cultivars), pruning, harvest, etc and it also gives them a prime solar position given that they will receive abundant sun from morning on through about 3 or so in the afternoon - even once the rest of the hedgerow is mature.  

With these 2 categorical divisions in place, I broke up the planting belt into eight 90'+ long belts and created a patch grouping for each zone along with projected numbers of individual plants I'd need (see attached tables).  Because I'm hoping to ensure year-round privacy screening, I made sure to include at least one conifer species in each grouping, and upon planting, including one or more conifers in each individual 'row'.

The attached site plan shows the rough distribution of the 8 planting blocks from north to south, and the tables show the 'plant community' blocks I developed.  I broke each zone into 2 parts, each then theoretically representing half of the block (A1 and A2 for example).  The first column lists the species, the second indicates the structural role they fill - level 1-5 depending on their positioning from west to east, and the third column shows the rough estimate for the number of individuals planted in each block (it turns out I overestimated the number of plants I'd need in the field by about 20% - I either planted these additional plants in nursery beds or potted them up).

In the next installment, I'd discuss the strategies I used for site prep, in the field layout, and planting.
Picture
Picture
Picture
31 Comments
Meghan Giroux
2/8/2014 06:39:36 am

Thanks for posting this Mark! I have a bunch of questions but I'll wait until I see you next. Keep the posts coming.

Reply
Erin G.
2/20/2014 06:21:13 am

Great information, Mark. We're going through a similar process here in Ontario. Perfect timing. Like Meghan said - keep the posts coming!

Reply
best essay writing service rated link
1/31/2019 08:29:04 am

There are lots of things you have done, and I am actually lost in regards with everything that you did. I know a little details about forestry; and those were just the basic ones. If you are up for a certain study and you want to prove something then this might be the perfect time for you to make several researches about it. Please always remind yourself that it’s okay to fail as long as the desire to find the best answer for your study is there. By the way, I have learned a lot of things from you!

Reply
piknu link
9/19/2019 08:14:18 pm

I read your excellent post. After reading this post, i really appreciate your effort and my request is to please share us more post in future. It's an amazing hashtag on my site. Coming to....

Reply
Essay Writing Service UK link
1/15/2021 05:46:59 am

Everyone takes the layout of building during the construction of any building which is very crucial.

Reply
GeorgeHarry
3/12/2021 04:52:46 am

I outlined the https://gramvio.com/vimeo-downloader/ 11.5 acre parcel, explained my priorities and desired functions for this 1/2 acre planting, and addressed the species selection process in my previous post outlining the selection and design process for a multi-functional hedgerow on my growing homestead in Vermont's Champlain Valley. 

Reply
Residential Fencing Edmonton link
3/29/2021 07:16:42 am

Our partnership with our clients is based on mutual trust and we do what is best for our clients following our company’s values and methods.

Reply
Opsinc link
3/29/2021 08:05:54 am

Access a full set of complementary skills, including Project Management, Organizational Change Management, Researchers and Product Developers, Chartered Professional Accountants, Business Strategists, and Top-Shelf Sales and Marketing Teams.

Reply
Economics Essay Help link
3/29/2021 08:20:24 am

If you want to achieve something you never have achieved, then you must do something that you never have done afore. Your hassles will continue to be hassles until you are determined to solve them. Take a step towards change we are here to guide you, assist you on each and every stage. Good luck.

Reply
Do My Essay For Me link
4/17/2021 05:23:33 am

We have experts specializing in their own fields. They have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience required for academic paper writing and tailoring it according to a particular educational level. Our services are available globally. You can contact us in any part of the world as we deliver to native and non-native speakers of English language alike.

Reply
Leather Bomber Jacket Women link
6/18/2021 03:16:14 am

instylejackets is one of the best leather jacket quality provider provides best leather jackets and new designs. We make new designs and custom designs for our customers to fulfill their requirements. visit to our website to get the best quality.

Reply
dry bulk transportation services texas link
7/9/2021 08:42:51 am

When it comes to bulk transportation, Hasten Contracting is the industry leader with a reputation for safe and on-time delivery that exceeds customers’ expectations.

Reply
Edmonton custom outdoor residential contractor link
7/10/2021 04:20:45 am

Envious Design by Brandt and Thompson Has been in service Edmonton for many years and providing exceptional quality custom stone indoors and outdoors bars. We are expert in providing custom stone indoors; whether you need to upgrade your current, fireplace or you would like to add a new one we got you covers. With wide range of natural stones, we can give you a desired solution, which is built to last longer. Our custom stone indoor solution in Edmonton will not only provide you industrial grade material satisfaction, but also improve your home indoor beauty too. Enjoy with your family and friend with a cozy fireplace made with custom stone by Envious Design by Brandt and Thompson. Our services of outdoor and indoor bar contracting services in edmonton for custom stone is not limited for indoor fire palace only, we also provide custom stone outdoors bars too. So you are not BBQ expert in the indoors only, you can also impress your family and friends in your personal backyard out door kitchen with custom stone outdoors bars in Edmonton Alberta.

Reply
activated carbon supplier Houston link
7/10/2021 04:26:49 am

Hasten is uniquely positioned to maximize the success of its customers by utilizing its vast network of relationships along with its unwavering focus on its core principles of honesty, reliability, quality, credibility, and trust. With the goal of providing quality products, safely, and on a timely basis, Hasten will ensure you are satisfied with the end result.

Reply
Tile Removal Services Edmonton link
7/13/2021 06:47:43 am

Being Sherwood Park, Alberta tile removal experts, have the peace of mind knowing that we do tile demotion with no damage to the wall underneath it. We do tile repair or tile removal in Edmonton at an affordable cost. You have professionals for your tile removal services Edmonton, with over 17-years of experience for client satisfaction. No job is to big or small for us to tackle whether in your home or commercial building. Bathroom and kitchen tile are installed to last. We install tile to the walls with adhesive using grout between the tiles keeping them in place and moisture out. However, water and moisture can damage the sealant over time, particularly in older homes where silicone caulk was not used. Modern day caulk was invented in 1896, so if your home is older than that, you will have problems with tile staying in place.In the 1920s, acrylic, butyl, and silicone polymers were first developed and used in sealants. By the 1960s, synthetic-polymer-based sealants became available and that’s what we use today for the best bonding. Removing wall tiles is more difficult than removing floor tiles. Wall tiles are usually set very close together with smaller grout courses. Our technicians use additional care to remove wall tile preventing damage to the surrounding tiles. When it’s time for floor or wall tile updates, we will do it to include a complete tile demo if necessary, and complete your new tile installation. We remove bathroom tile or kitchen tile and haul away the old tile and debris.

Reply
customize t shirt wine design club link
8/2/2021 01:39:55 am

Join The Wine Snob Shirt Club, and each month you will receive a high-quality T-shirt and special offers from some of the most unique wineries and vineyards around the world! The Wine Snob Shirt Club features one shirt design per month, and once that month reaches its dregs, that wine design is tucked away in our Shirt Cellar forever. Each T-shirt is a true, one-of-a-kind vintage!

Reply
Turkey Travel Visa link
10/8/2021 02:54:58 am

I visit some sites and sites everyday to read articles, however this website offers feature based posts.If you are planning to travel to Turkey with Tourist Visa, you should read the categories of different purposes of travel carefully. You should apply for a Turkey travel visa only if you wish to visit the country for one of the following purposes.

Reply
Misha John link
11/5/2021 04:16:48 am

if you're a student then enjoy perks and redeem missguided student discount and get items at a more discounted price for yourself.

Reply
kenya health surveillance form link
11/10/2021 12:07:18 pm

Excellent post.. Thank you The foreign traveling to Kenya must fill up the Kenya travelers health surveillance form to enter into the country. For ensuing the safety of the citizen and foreign tourist.

Reply
visa extension India link
12/21/2021 12:02:25 am

I love the words you express in this page . It is informative content. I admire your work . In this pandemic a lot of people want to extend their visa. The Visa extension India is quite simple by online process and the services FRRO provides is available for all foreigners.

Reply
Indian visa link
1/14/2022 12:19:03 am

I definitely enjoy every little bit of it. This is a great website and good stock.I want to thank you. Apply Online Indian visa, Fill and online Submit Visa Application Form Securely via India visa website.

Reply
Real leather jacket for men link
3/28/2022 01:49:06 am

Looking for the best leather jacket? Look no further than Mauvetree! Our website provides an extensive selection of the finest leather jackets available, from all the top brands. We stock jackets from around the world, so you're sure to find the perfect jacket for your unique style.

Reply
India urgent visa link
3/31/2022 03:14:45 am

This is a great blog, full of valuable information. Keep up the good work! India urgent visa, you can fill an online Indian emergency visa application form. Within 5 to 10 minutes you can fill your India emergency visa application form. Urgent visa to India you get in 1 to 3 business days.

Reply
Turkish work visa online link
5/10/2022 02:36:07 am

Hello everyone, Turkish work visa online, you can apply online for a visa to work in Turkey. In fact, it is a very quick, cheap and easy way to get a Turkish work visa.

Reply
Miguel Taylor link
11/5/2022 08:43:01 pm

Hold assume not. Off parent detail compare.
Mind interesting good. Bar remember air major nothing.
Oil word well worker avoid represent oil. Federal officer the debate as spend type.

Reply
Fence Company Spring Hill, FL link
4/28/2023 10:34:55 am

What an interesting post. This is so helpful!

Reply
India tourist visa for sri lanka link
4/5/2024 10:59:02 am

What an amazing read! This blog has had me hooked, and I'm thoroughly impressed! The insights shared here, especially in the concluding part 🙂, are invaluable. I've been on the lookout for this specific information for what feels like forever. Much appreciation and wishing you all the success! 🚀

Reply
Azerbaijan visa for Pakistani link
4/18/2024 04:23:11 am

I'm truly awestruck by the depth of analysis in this blog post. Your ability to dissect such a complex topic and present it in a clear, accessible manner is a testament to your expertise. Each paragraph is packed with insights that resonate deeply with me. It's as if you've tapped into the very essence of the subject and illuminated it for all to see. Your writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making this piece a joy to read from start to finish. I look forward to immersing myself in your other works and exploring more of your fascinating perspectives.

Reply
Volume Pills 2024 link
8/10/2024 06:11:09 am

Volume Pills Review 2024 Dosage, Cycles, Side Effects, Before and After Results <a href="https://www.onlymyhealth.com/volume-pills-review-dosage-cycles-side-effects-1700576492">https://www.onlymyhealth.com/volume-pills-review-dosage-cycles-side-effects-1700576492</a>

Reply
David Parker link
8/14/2024 09:42:46 am

I came across your fantastic post, and after reading it, I truly admire the effort you put in. I’d love to see more of your work in the future. By the way, I’m David Parker, a student based in Port Saint Lucie, passionate about photography, technology, and improving healthcare with innovative medical equipment.

Reply
Mental Age Test link
11/20/2024 10:58:42 pm

This is a fantastic article thank you for sharing. Take some time to read it Mental Age Test. A mental age quiz evaluates your thinking patterns effectively.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Archives

    April 2017
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    February 2013
    October 2012
    September 2012
    March 2012
    February 2012
    January 2012
    December 2011
    November 2011
    September 2011
    May 2011
    April 2011
    March 2011
    February 2011
    January 2011

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • The Book
  • About the Author
  • Gallery
  • Case Studies
  • Resources
  • Blog