Use of Living Snow Fences

by Terry M. Conway, Resource Conservationist
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Salina, Kansas

High winds and blowing snow typify wintertime conditions throughout the Great Plains Region. Millions of dollars are spent each year at the federal, state, and local levels to keep highways and county roads from closing due to drifting snow. While structures have been designed to control blowing snow, installation and maintenance costs have limited their wide-scale use. An alternative to using structural barriers involves the planting of trees and shrubs to keep snow drifts off land transportation routes. These types of plantings are referred to as living snow fences.

The concept of using living plant materials in snow management is not new. Historically, railroad companies as early as 1900 planted living snow fences along their right-of-ways to control drifting snow. During the 1920’s, the Wyoming Highway Department initiated a living snow fence program. Due to the drought conditions that occurred during the 1930’s and the resultant high mortality of the planted stock, the program was discontinued. However, the living snow fence concept was rekindled in Nebraska beginning in the early 1970’s and has since spread to other states.

The use of living snow fences to protect roads from drifting snow has many advantages compared to using structural barriers. The living snow fence service life is two to three times greater than that of structural barriers. The snow storage capacity is much greater than that of structural barriers due to the higher effective height of the planted trees. While the initial planting and maintenance cost may be higher for the living snow fence, over the service life there is greater economical savings compared to structures. Additionally, living snow fences offer other benefits, such as enhancing wildlife habitat, providing winter livestock protection areas, spring calving areas, and overall environmental beautification.

There are, however, some disadvantages of using living snow fences compared to structural barriers. Not all sites needing protection are suitable for the planting of trees and shrubs. Also, living snow fences require several years before they reach their effective height for maximum protection. The initial planting and maintenance cost may be higher compared to structural barriers, and most importantly, living snow fences require permanently dedicated property.

If the decision is made to use a living snow fence instead of a structural barrier, there are several key factors to consider in the design and installation. Primary considerations include distance from the area needing protection, effective length, plant species selection, plant species spacing within and between rows, number of rows, and any additional objectives, such as providing wildlife habitat or livestock protection.

For more information about living snow fences, go to your local U. S. Department of Agriculture’s Service Center and talk to the NRCS or conservation district staff.

For more information about NRCS programs, visit the Kansas NRCS Web site at www.ks.nrcs.usda.gov.

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Last Modified: 08/22/2008