Boundary planting, also known as live fence planting, is a technique used to protect crops from the interference of people and animals that can disturb plant growth. Trees/shrubs are a good example of this approach as they can form a shield when planted along the boundaries of the garden or surrounding a planted field. The trees/shrubs act as wind break to shield plants against strong winds causing physical damage to plants themselves, or the removal of soil (erosion). Additional benefits include the use of branches for firewood or building materials, and the other parts of trees can be used as fodder, fruit or leave harvested for consumption, or for medicinal use. Tree/shrub spacing is critical, as trees that have dense canopies can conversely cause destructive down-drafts, negating the intended benefits. Boundary planting helps limit global warming by mitigating GHG emissions through reducing harmful gases such as, carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere and releasing oxygen.
To effectively implement Boundary Planting practices:
- Step 1: Plant long lines of two fast growing trees, Caesalpinia velutina trees, between a Bombacopsis quinate and a Swietenia humilis to be replaced over time.
- Step 2: Consider planting the boundary trees 1.5 metres apart along pre-existing fences.
- Step 3: Attach metal fencing to the trees to support the large trees without endangering their growth. Harvest fodder when the tree is overgrown.
- Step 4: Prune lower brunches to encourage upward growth of trees and reduce shed on the plants.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 2001. Improving Nutrition through Home Gardening. Rome, Italy.
- Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 1998. Non-Wood Forest Products in Zambia. Lusaka, Zambia.
- World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF), 1994. Agroforestry Extension Manual for Kenya. Nairobi, Kenya.
Benefits
- Live fence planting is cost effective, conserves soil moisture, acts a windbreak and reduces soil erosion. These trees have various benefits such as medicinal use, mulch, livestock feeds, fruits, bee forage, timber and firewood.
- Maintenance of boundary trees is low with short, medium and long ecological and economic benefits.
Drawbacks
- Boundary planting occupies more land than a single row.
