Paddock trees benefit both farmers and the environment by improving soil health, controlling erosion, sheltering stock and providing a habitat for native wildlife that feed on pests and pollinate crops.
There are a number of precautions that can be taken to protect paddock trees including creating a firebreak at least 3m from the edge of the canopy around each tree, using small, controlled back burns to ensure the heat does not damage the tree, conducting burns during cooler weather, staying in attendance until the fire is completely extinguished and ensuring there is enough water available to control the burn.
Council’s environment manager, Sharon Terry, urged farmers and landholders intending to burn stubble this year to understand the risks and act responsibly.
Landholders must comply with all legal obligations while stubble burning, including obeying total fire bans.
“It is illegal to remove, lop or destroy native vegetation, including paddock trees and standing dead trees, and protecting them during stubble burning is essential,” she said.
“These trees support farm productivity, biodiversity and long-term environmental health, which is why it is so important to factor them into every burn plan.”
Landholders need to adhere to relevant laws and regulations, check weather conditions during planned burn days and the days following, notify neighbours in advance of the planned burn and register planned burns at firepermits.vic.gov.au
Stubble burning isn’t the only option ‒ grazing sheep or leaving it intact may be possible for some farmers ‒ but there are pros and cons to both of these approaches.
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