Native hedgerows offer a range of benefits for farms in California, making them a valuable addition to working agricultural landscapes [1]. Restoring native vegetation along field edges can help reduce soil erosion by stabilizing the soil with deep, resilient root systems, especially in vulnerable areas like field margins and drainage channels. Hedgerows support biodiversity by providing essential habitat for pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects that serve as natural enemies to agricultural pests [2]. By attracting these natural allies, hedgerows can help reduce reliance on chemical pest control. Additionally, dense hedgerows can suppress weed growth by shading and outcompeting these species, thereby reducing weed intrusion into fields and orchards [3]. Native hedgerows also contribute to carbon sequestration, a vital ecosystem service increasingly recognized and supported through incentive programs [4]. They can also function as windbreaks, protecting crops from wind damage and reducing dust and evaporation, which is especially beneficial in California's dry climate.

For successful hedgerow installation, start by carefully selecting native plant species suited to your farm’s soil, climate, and goals — aiming for a diverse mix of flowering shrubs, perennial grasses, and small trees that bloom at different times of the year. Prepare the site by removing existing weeds and, if necessary, installing drip irrigation to help young plants establish. Space plants according to their mature size, and mulch around them to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Plan for ongoing maintenance in the first few years, including regular irrigation, weed control, and monitoring for pests or disease. Over time, maintenance will decrease as the hedgerow fills in and becomes self-sustaining. Planting in the fall or winter, when rains are more frequent, can also improve establishment and reduce the need for supplemental watering.

Resources

• UCANR | Establishing Native Hedgerows on Farms in California
• Tree of Life Nursery | California Native Plants For Screens & Hedges
• UC Master Gardener Program of Sonoma County | Natives for a Hedgerow
• Calscape | Native Plants for Hedgerows
• Riverside-Corona RCD | Planting a Hedgerow for the SoCal Inland Region
• Community Alliance with Family Farmers | Hedgerows for California Agriculture

References

1. Long, R. F., Garbach, K., & Morandin, L. A. (2017). Hedgerow benefits align with food production and sustainability goals. California Agriculture, 71(3). https://doi.org/10.3733/ca.2017a0020
2. Morandin, L. A., Long, R. F., & Kremen, C. (2014). Hedgerows enhance beneficial insects on adjacent tomato fields in an intensive agricultural landscape. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 189, 164–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2014.03.030
3. Long, R. F., & Valliere, J. M. (2025). Established native hedgerows on field borders suppress weeds on farms. Weed Science, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2025.2
4. Chiartas, J. L., Jackson, L. E., Long, R. F., Margenot, A. J., & O'Geen, A. T. (2022). Hedgerows on crop field edges increase soil carbon to a depth of 1 meter. Sustainability, 14(19), 12901. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912901