Hedgerow/Buffer Zone Planting Program

Healthy and well designed hedgerows are an essential part of Prince Edward Island's landscape and provide many environmental benefits to farmers, home owners, businesses and the Island’s environment. The Hedgerow and Buffer Zone Planting Program helps landowners plant treed hedgerows and buffers to protect the soil from wind and rain erosion, prevent runoff from entering streams and rivers, and create windbreaks for buildings and livestock.

How do I qualify for the hedgerow planting program?

Farmers, businesses and other land owners who have a minimum of 1 ha (2.5 ac) of land can apply.

• Space to plant at least 300 seedlings.
• Double-row hedgerows are recommended but single row hedgerows are also eligible.
• Seedlings must be planted to the approved standard and the land owner must agree to maintain and protect these trees for a minimum of 15 years.

A department representative will inspect the site and review options with the landowner. Once an agreement is in place:

   1. The Department will supply and plant the seedlings.
   2. The land owner will prepare the site for planting. Sites with low grasses may not require site preparation.
   3. The land owner agrees to pay $1.00/seedling planted.
   4. The land owner must agree to plant the trees at least 3 m (10 ft) from existing power lines.

What happens if some of the seedlings die?

Within the first 12 months, if not due to negligence of the land owner, and where the survival rate is:
   1. Less than 70 per cent : The Department will prepare and replant the site.
   2. Greater than 70 per cent but less than 90 per cent: The Department will supply replacement plants but the land owner is responsible for the replanting.
   3. Greater than 90 per cent: Replacements will not be provided.

The Hedgerow Planting Program is coordinated by the Forests, Fish and Wildlife Division.

How to apply for the Hedgerow/Buffer Zone Planting program

To apply, complete and submit the Hedgerow Buffer Zone Planting Program application form to:

Hedgerow/Buffer Zone Planting program
Att: Scott MacDonald
Dept. of Communities, Land and Environment
Box 2000
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 7N8
Phone: (902) 620-3179
FAX: (902) 368-4713