[Jacob-list] Hedgerows

[Johann Kuntz]

Thanks everyone for all the input.  

I enjoyed reading all the posts.  I can see why a hedgerow would have its short comings, but to be honest I am already relying on a lot of natural barriers to keep my sheep contained.  Some areas I am able to fence (and I have fenced those areas), but many areas are a fencing nightmare.  I would have to clear out lots of native trees and shrubs in order to get fencing into those areas.  Also there are a lot of periodic angle changes in the terrain, some of which are very drastic.  Almost straight up in a couple of places, but it doesn't stop the sheep.  (I live on the edge of a valley).  

I had been thinking of using the hedgerow tactic to build upon pre-existing growth in order to fill in the weak spots where the sheep can still get out.  

I have had very good success blocking off small gaps in the existing growth with dead branches and organic debris.  It also blends in very well with the surroundings as it is all debris taken from the immediate area.  Also, I have a large laurel hedge which I'm going to cut down very soon as it hasn't been properly maintained.  I have found that the sheep will not try to push their way through the laurel at all as it has a dense growth habit.  Therefore I am going to try laying all the cut laurel debris in a line to form a debris fence in one area that has been a big problem.  The dense branches will also allow young plants to grow through them while protecting them from browsing and eventually making a living hedgerow on top of the tangle of branches.  I thought I would let native stuff fill in the area as it will probably volunteer to do, and I can help it along by planting some shrubs that I already know grow in my area with out becoming invasive.  Some of you have made the very valid point that it may not be predator proof, but I have not had any predator issues with my sheep.  My purpose is really just to keep them from getting into neighbor's yards.

I guess ultimately I'm in an experimental phase, so I appreciate all criticism and feed back while I see if I can make this work for my situation.

Thanks everybody,
Johann

p.s. Regarding roses, I am considering planting a climbing peace rose amongst the laurel debris to tangle it's way through.  I think it would be beautiful, and I know for a fact that it's not invasive.  It won't even set rose hips here.  :(

From: nlgrose at yadtel.net
CC: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2011 19:58:35 -0500
Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Hedgerows



Message body




We have Cherokee Rose that I planted and it is amazing! It’s evergreen here 
and has almost covered a medium size tree. It doesn’t seem as invasive (capable 
of seed reproduction) as the multiflora rose, and would make great erosion 
control on a difficult area. Thorns are like barbed wire!
 


The trick is that most of the species that would 
make a good hedge are going to be invasive. I would recommend using a low woven 
wire fence on the sheep side, and leave access on the neighbor’s side for a bush 
hog.
 
Neal
 

From: Linda 
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 5:43 PM
To: Neal Grose 
Cc: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Hedgerows
 
We had a row of cherokee rose at our previous place in 
the yard, where I would let the sheep out to graze every so often. It was really 
dense - wild growth, never trimmed. There was fence on the other side, so I 
wasn't counting on the hedge to keep them in. They love eating roses and had it 
denuded of leaves within a few months (limited turnout in the yard), at which 
point they could wiggle into the center of the vines. The vines made a mess of 
the fleeces and occasionally a sheep would get trapped by rose vines tangled in 
the wool. I let them out now to eat the roses after 
shearing.

Linda

Neal Grose wrote: 
My 
  grandfather helped people plant multiflora rose and kudzu for erosion control 
  back in the 30s. One of his friends said that it was the only evil thing Mr. 
  Joseph ever did. Both are famously invasive now, and both can only be with 
  goats and SHEEP! 
Neal 


-----Original Message----- From: Zach 
  Oaster 
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 10:42 AM 
To: jacob-list at jacobsheep.com 
  
Subject: Re: [Jacob-list] Hedgerows 

In mid-Michigan, back in the 
  1960s, my great uncle once planted 
several fence rows of multiflower rose 
  for the purpose of natural 
livestock containment. While this worked great 
  for a while (after the 
initial growth/pruning period), my grandfather (who 
  lived down the 
road), and other neighbors started complaining that the 
  multiflower 
rose was beginning to show up in their fields and fence rows. 
  Within 
the period of a few decades the plant has literally infested the 
  
entire area. It had not been native to the area, but you wouldn't know 
  
that now. 

All of this to say that natural fences can be an 
  unnatural addition... 
and that species that tend to grow and populate 
  easily will do so with 
or without your consent. Choose carefully. 
  

^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^ 
Zach Oaster 
zach at fattoaster.com 
Visit Zach & 
  Lindsay's farm blog: http://www.fattoasterfarm.com 
  
^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^ 
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