Used to control snow buildup on highways and crop fields, natural snow fences are observed across the Great Plains. Drought-tolerant redcedars, junipers and various pines are most often used though deciduous trees and shrubs are also planted in some areas.
While the practical use mentioned above is the primary reason for these tree lines (which seem to be more abundant each year), one might argue that they diversify the natural environment and offer significant carbon capture. No doubt, there are thousands of highway miles and agricultural borders that would benefit from these natural fences while also having positive effects on the environment.
As mentioned in a recent post, ranchers and grassland ecologists are alarmed by the uncontrolled invasion or eastern redcedars, threatening pastures and prairie ecosystems. But in agricultural areas, which account for a large percentage of the Great Plains, the benefits of natural snow fences would seem to outweigh any such risk.
