The Flagstaff County Agricultural Service Department offers this program to rural landowners to help establish and maintain healthy shelterbelts. Shelterbelts conserve soil, protect crops and yard sites, trap snow, provide wildlife habitat, and beautify the landscape.

The Shelterbelt Establishment Program is delivered through an application process and 50% of costs on certain trees are covered by Flagstaff County. Special trees can be ordered, but they are not part of the cost-share program.

Plastic mulch is available for purchase at cost (approximately $190/1,500-ft roll), and while supplies last. A plastic mulch applicator is available for a $100 refundable deposit. Click here for tips and more information about mulching.

2027 Application

Application forms for the 2027 Shelterbelt Establishment Program will be accepted between November 1, 2026 and January 31, 2027.

Trees for the 2026 Shelterbelt Establishment Program will be delivered in May 2026.

Please contact us right away if a significant number of trees died or haven’t grown. Call 780-384-4100 or toll free at 1-877-387-4100.

How to plant a shelterbelt

Click here to learn how to properly plan and plant a shelterbelt.

Species recommended for shelterbelts

Click here to find out which species are recommended for shelterbelts. (Please note: Subject to availability.)

Benefits of shelterbelts

Click here to read “Shelter belts can help increase crop yields,” published Oct. 11, 2018 on The Western Producer website.

Site assessment

A site assessment is a thorough and detailed evaluation of site conditions to understand limitations or opportunities for tree and shrub survival, growth, and vigour. Click here for an article on site assessment by tree expert Toso Bozic.

Plant Smart Around Power Lines

Click here for tips on planting safely around power lines.