What is a Hedgerow?
A hedgerow consists of one or more rows of plants that are chosen to work together, eventually forming a cohesive, multi-species hedge. These hedgerows typically include clusters or rows of trees and shrubs and may also incorporate a mix of perennial and annual grasses and flowers.
What are Some of the Benefits of Hedgerow Establishment?
- Creates habitat for beneficial insects, pollinators and other wildlife
- Protects from erosion and stabilizes waterways
- Controls weeds
- Reduces nonpoint source water pollution and groundwater pollution
- Acts as windbreaks
- Increases in surface water infiltration
- Acts as buffer from pesticide drift, noise, odors, and dust
- Acts as living fences and boundary lines
- Increases biodiversity
- Provides an aesthetic resource
- Decreases water temperature through shading
Pierce Conservation District Hedgerow Templates
With grant funding provided through Western SARE, and in a collaboration with local crop farmers and the Xerces Society, Pierce Conservation District has developed a range of hedgerow planting templates designed to serve multiple purposes while optimizing the bloom period for pollinators. These templates cater to both moist and drier environments. While all plants typically require irrigation during the initial establishment phase (approximately two years), the adaptable templates are suitable for either moist conditions or drier environments, requiring only additional watering during drought periods for some plants.
Annual Insectary Strips
In a collaboration with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, an annual insectary seed mix was compiled, designed to support pollinators on farms.
Additional Hedgerow Resources
Funding Resources
Contact your farm planner so we can direct you to the applicable funding resource.
