Horse-friendly trees for windbreak

[SamMil]

Hi all,

Hope I'm posting this in the correct place..!

We recently removed a row of conifers that were right next to our house, as they were too close and too big.

We really need a windbreak to protect our house and act as a shelter for the horses in winter(we're in a very flat area with strong winds) and we're trying to get an idea of trees to plant in the horse's field a bit further from the house.

I just wanted to ask if anyone had any suggestions of non-poisonous trees, that are reasonably fast growing and make a good windbreak? It seems that most evergreens are toxic to horses, but I'm not sure if there are any exceptions, or if another type of tree would work just as well.

Thanks

 

[DabDab]

Goat willow

 

[palo1]

Willow is fantastic; fast growing and good for horses to graze on too. There are lots of other native trees that are good too including Ash which horses love and Hazel which is also fast growing. There is nothing quite to rival willow but Hazel and Ash are good to add in to the mix; there are others too and companies selling trees for agricultural use can advise which is the best mix for your situation.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

Willow is fantastic; fast growing and good for horses to graze on too. There are lots of other native trees that are good too including Ash which horses love and Hazel which is also fast growing. There is nothing quite to rival willow but Hazel and Ash are good to add in to the mix; there are others too and companies selling trees for agricultural use can advise which is the best mix for your situation.

Just be aware that the young trees need to be protected from livestock and rabbits.

 

[The Xmas Furry]

Just be aware that the young trees need to be protected from livestock and rabbits.

Yes!
Willow also can snap in high winds, so intersperse with something else or double plant, Willow/ Hazel with maybe Hawthorn and/or gorse backing along it.