IN YOUR ORCHARD
THE BEE BOX
Why You Need Hedgerows and How to Install Them Hedgerows are permanent plants that provide perennial habitat for pollinators and other beneficial insects. Often planted on field edges or non-cropped “spare” areas, these are usually native shrubs or trees. Once established, a process that can take up to three years to accomplish, they are easy to maintain. They provide drought-resistant and often fire-resistant havens for the “good guys” that increase soil health and can enhance pollination services.
in areas without summer rainfall. A linear design allows for easier irrigation layouts.
Step 2: Site Preparation and Irrigation Installation Weed Control Before Planting Proper weed control is vital to the success of establishing pollinator habitat. Ideally, sites should remain weed-free for 12 months before planting. A combination of foliar and pre-emergent herbicides or repeated cultivation can be used to address both living and dormant vegetation. It is critical that applicators are fully aware that pre-emergent herbicides are carefully selected so they don’t interfere with planting. Each site will need to be checked monthly (at minimum). The site should be re-treated if new plant growth occurs.
Hedgerows are a win for the farmer and the natural biodiversity that provides ecosystem services to nearly every farm scenario. Here’s the step-by-step process to accomplish this on your land. Step 1: Site Selection Small margins of land directly next to orchards, row crops, and pastures are ideal for hedgerow habitat. If sites are long and narrow, a single row of plants or “hedgerow” can be installed. If sites are square or trapezoid-shaped, multiple parallel rows can be installed. In either case, sites are measured in linear feet and will need access to irrigation
Reduction of Existing Vegetation Site preparation
activities also include the removal of dead leaves, stems, and other plant material to prepare the site for seeding and ensure good seed-to-soil contact. If large amounts of plant matter persist on the ground, it may be necessary to remove the plant residue by raking.
Capay Hills Orchard. Photo credit: Brian Paddock
49er Almonds. Photo credit: Frank Lu
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ALMOND FACTS
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