Natural snow fence - Ask Extension
We are looking to put a natural snow fence along the side of our property adjacent to a farm field (sometimes corn, sometimes soybeans). Any suggestio...
Knowledgebase
Natural snow fence #869370
Asked May 20, 2024, 8:53 PM EDT
We are looking to put a natural snow fence along the side of our property adjacent to a farm field (sometimes corn, sometimes soybeans). Any suggestions? We have a lot of deer so hopefully something deer resistant. Would forsythia, blueberry bushes, smoke bushes work? Or a mix of the above?
Ingham County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello
This publication can guide your selection:
https://ask2.extension.org/file.php?key=biba6rewwitnl7qxeumwyq4mzud_bdwq&expires=<personal data hidden>&signature=6bd8561e4847d1f4b4190786f8069fbf250deca9&id=1767688
The forsythia and smokebush should work pretty well, but blueberries can be eaten to the ground by deer.
Take into consideration your soil type, the mature size of each plant(for proper spacing and any overhead wires), and that you will need to keep newly planted shrubs watered at least the first 1-2 years during droughts.
If you have underground utilities, call “Miss Dig” before digging holes.
In Michigan it is best to plant in spring, so roots are well established before winter. While you may also plant in fall some dieback might occur, especially if we have a severe winter.
Follow good planting practices (proper depth, etc) and you should have good success. And, you are correct in planting a mix of 3-4 different plant types, so that a disease or pest at some future date won’t wipe out the whole hedge.
Here is a planting guide- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-shrubs-correctly/
For the plants you decide to use, look up the soil and cultural conditions for each, to be sure your site is suitable. Missouri Botanical’s plant finder is a good reference: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderListResults.aspx?gen=Forsythia
If you don’t know your soil type, nutrient level, pH, have a soil test done. MSU has one and you can ask for help with interpreting the results here at Ask Extension. The mailer can be purchased in person at MSU Extension offices or online from the MSU Extension bookstore (shop.msu.edu). The cost is $26: More on that here—
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
This publication can guide your selection:
https://ask2.extension.org/file.php?key=biba6rewwitnl7qxeumwyq4mzud_bdwq&expires=<personal data hidden>&signature=6bd8561e4847d1f4b4190786f8069fbf250deca9&id=1767688
The forsythia and smokebush should work pretty well, but blueberries can be eaten to the ground by deer.
Take into consideration your soil type, the mature size of each plant(for proper spacing and any overhead wires), and that you will need to keep newly planted shrubs watered at least the first 1-2 years during droughts.
If you have underground utilities, call “Miss Dig” before digging holes.
In Michigan it is best to plant in spring, so roots are well established before winter. While you may also plant in fall some dieback might occur, especially if we have a severe winter.
Follow good planting practices (proper depth, etc) and you should have good success. And, you are correct in planting a mix of 3-4 different plant types, so that a disease or pest at some future date won’t wipe out the whole hedge.
Here is a planting guide- https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/planting-shrubs-correctly/
For the plants you decide to use, look up the soil and cultural conditions for each, to be sure your site is suitable. Missouri Botanical’s plant finder is a good reference: https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderListResults.aspx?gen=Forsythia
If you don’t know your soil type, nutrient level, pH, have a soil test done. MSU has one and you can ask for help with interpreting the results here at Ask Extension. The mailer can be purchased in person at MSU Extension offices or online from the MSU Extension bookstore (shop.msu.edu). The cost is $26: More on that here—
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/soil-testing-returns-through-msu-extension
