Posted by Susan on September 5, 2004

Q: We are contemplating using about half to all of our 11.75 acres of prairie agricultural land in Yelm, WA for a possible planting of cottonwood similar to what we have seen in Elma, WA and north in Mount Vernon, WA. A high-traffic Bypass is scheduled to come close by our property and we wonder two things: would Cottonwood be a good 'sound' break? And two, where would we obtain Cottonwood seedlings? Further, would there be any possible agricultural tax break for using our property for a crop such as this? Is there a market for the trees for use in wood chips and/or sawdust? Thank you.

A: I can certainly understand your desire to have a sound-barrior if a highway is going in close to your property. To begin with, since cottonwoods are deciduous, their sound-absorbing ability would be almost nil in the winter and their growth will go upward leaving little to break up sound closer to the ground. I'd strongly suggest planting evergreen trees so you have a barrier all year-long. Furthermore, I'd be inclined to plant spruce since they tend to keep their lower branches, if they have enough sun, and are often very dense. See what species of spruce grow well in your area (a nursery should be able to help with that) and plan on planting these in a staggered fashion along the area you are screening. It will take a few years to obtain the full effect of a planting, but should greatly improve your personal environment. Often people plant evergreens much too close together and then their lower branches die from lack of sun. You may want some input on spacing so you can maximize the screening the trees will provide in a reasonably short time. I really can't give you any help with agricultural tax advantage but I'll bet someone in your state conservation dept could. Best of luck.

John Wiessinger ( September 8, 2004)