Species Matrix for New York State

Species selection is an important step in the design of effective and efficient living snow fences. A species matrix assists in the plant selection process for living snow fences by providing a pallete of suitable species, and a summary of relevant plant traits to compare and contrast species. Recent research at SUNY ESF has built on previous research (Tabler, 2003) and identified key plant traits for living snow fences. Twenty-eight species that possess the traits relevant to living snow fences have been identified and included in this plant matrix. These species are tolerant to a variety of roadside conditions across New York State, and possess the traits necessary to achieve adequate snow trapping and snow storage capabilities. Every plant species is unique, and this matrix is therefore intended as a selection tool to compare and contrast a variety of plants for living snow fences within the context of design goals and site conditions

Living Snow Fence Maintenance

Living snow fences require care and monitoring for several years after planting. The length and type of care varies based on the plant species, site conditions, and the quality of site preparation. Once plants are well established and have achieved sufficient height growth, care and monitoring can be reduced or eliminated. Plants of the same age and height are needed for effective and continuous snow control along the roadway. Monitoring of snow fences is essential so that problems with dead or slow-growing plants are quickly identified and solutions can be developed and enacted

Living Snow Fence Site Assessment

Site assessment is an important step in the establishment and long-term success of living snow fences. Once an area has been selected for a living snow fence installation, site assessment informs the design and planting phases. Multiple site visits may be necessary throughout the design process

Planting Living Snow Fences

Two general categories of plant materials, rooted and unrooted, can be used for living snow fences. The planting techniques used with rooted plant materials are different from the techniques used with unrooted plant materials. Types of rooted planting stock include balled & burlapped (B&B), potted, bareroot, and seedlings. Types of unrooted planting stock include species that can be planted as single stem cuttings without pre-formed roots such as shrub-willows. Step by step planting techniques for both rooted and unrooted stock are provided in this fact sheet in the general order they should be performed

Introduction to Living Snow Fences

This fact sheet series is an introductory guide to living snow fences. Designers should consult other resources listed at the end of each fact sheet for more detailed information on the structure and function of living snow fences. Living snow fences take several years to become effective, but can provide decades of blowing snow control if properly designed, installed and maintained

Shrub Willow Living Snow Fences

Show potential for snow trapping and reduced drift length shortly after plantin

Shrub Willow Renewable Energy Environmental Benefits: Opportunities for Rural Development

Driven by the challenges of rural development, energy independence and environmental sustainability, research on willow biomass crops for renewable energy and environmental applications has been ongoing at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) since 1986. SUNY-ESF has teamed up with more than 20 universities, commercial partners and non-profit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada to conduct research and facilitate the commercialization of willow biomass crops

Living Snow Fence Species Selection

Species selection is an important step in the design of effective and efficient living snow fences. A species matrix can assist in the plant selection for living snow fences by providing a palette of suitable species and a summary of relevant plant traits to compare and contrast species. A species matrix for living snow fences in New York State has been created in conjunction with these fact sheets

Coppicing Living Snow Fences

Coppicing is a form of management for certain woody plants that has been used for centuries. The process involves cutting stems near the ground and allowing new stems to grow from the part of the plant that is left behind, which is referred to as the stool. Coppicing living snow fences is a maintenance practice that increases the number of stems on each plant. A larger number of stems on each plant increases “density” of the living snow fence, lowering the optical porosity and allowing fences to become functional more quickly. Coppicing improves the vigor of many species, and has been shown to accelerate the overall aboveground growth of shrub-willow. The information and techniques described in this fact sheet are primarily intended for coppicing shrub-willow plants, but may be applicable to other species with coppice potential as well

Living Snow Fence Site Preparation

After the site assessment and design phases, it is important to properly prepare the site before planting a living snow fence. Investing adequate time and resources in thorough site preparation will improve growth rates and long-term survival. Site preparation will minimize the time it takes for a living snow fence to become effective, and maximize the return on investment. The practices listed in this fact sheet are considered best management practices that can be applied to all types of living snow fences. This includes all species of evergreen trees and woody shrubs recommended for living snow fences. The site preparation tasks summarized here can be followed in the order they appear to achieve sufficient site preparation and improve the health and vigor of living snow fences. Roadside environmental conditions can be stressful to plants in a number of ways. Site preparation improves site conditions as much as possible to give living snow fences an advantage over competing species in stressful roadside conditions