Great Trees for Equestrian Properties in New Zealand

Trees play a vital role in creating healthy, comfortable environments for horses. Well placed trees offer natural shade that helps horses regulate body temperature during Summer, reducing heat stress and providing cooler resting areas throughout the day. Shelter belts also soften strong winds and weather, creating calmer paddocks where horses can settle more easily and conserve energy.

Trees improve the overall health of a property by supporting soil structure, reducing erosion and helping retain moisture in dry periods. Many species filter dust and airborne particles, which supports respiratory comfort for horses in dry or high traffic areas. Safe species can also offer light browsing and enrichment, while attracting birds and pollinators that contribute to a balanced, thriving landscape around stables and paddocks.

Platanus orientalis Autumn Glory avenue - Trotts Dec 2021

A well-formed and established avenue creates a beautiful entrance and a cool corridor to shelter and enjoy in summer heat.

Horse Friendly Trees

Fraxinus excelsior Pendula 2000lt Heritage Collection - March 2024 (2)

FRAXINUS excelsior – European Ash

Safe for horses and often lightly browsed for nutritional value. Ash trees grow tall with a broad canopy that provides reliable shade and shelter. Their structure helps reduce wind exposure and create more settled paddocks.

Pictured: 2000L ‘Pendula’ 20+ years old

PLATANUS varieties – Plane Trees

Plane trees are hardy, safe and excellent for shade. They tolerate pruning, compacted soil and urban conditions. Their ability to filter air pollutants supports healthier breathing conditions for horses and people.

Pictured: 45L ‘Autumn Glory’ 6+ years old

Platanus orientalis Autumn Glory 45lt Feb 2026 (2)
Salix chrysocoma 80lt Jan 2026 (2)

SALIX ‘Chrysocoma’ – Golden Weeping Willow

Generally safe when eaten in moderation. Willow bark and leaves contain salicylic acid, a natural compound related to aspirin. Their sweeping canopy provides excellent shade. Overconsumption should be monitored.

Pictured: 80L 7+ years old

TILIA varieties – Linden Lime

Lindens offer generous shade and support pollinators with their fragrant flowers. They are long lived and can act as windbreaks and landscape anchors. Foliage should not be consumed in excess.

Pictured: 80L ‘Cordata’ 7+ years old

Tilia cordata 80lt Feb 2026
Ulmus Louis van Houtte 45lt Feb 2026 (4)

ULMUS ‘Louis Van Houtte’ – Golden Elm

Not highly palatable to horses, reducing the risk of overconsumption. Their dense, golden canopy provides excellent shade and helps keep horses cool in warmer months.

Pictured: 45L 5+ years old

Other Suitable Options:

Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ – Himalayan Silver Birch, Carpinus betulus – Upright Hornbeam, Liriodendron tulipifera – Tulip Tree, Populus ‘Crow’s Nest’ – Lombardy Poplar, hollandica ‘Lobel’ – Upright Elm, Ulmus parvifolia – Chinese Elm, Ulmus parvifolia ‘Frontier’ – Hybrid Chinese Elm, Zelkova serrata – Japanese Elm

Download our data guides for helpful hints

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Trees known to be unsafe for Horses

Acer rubrum April 2024 (1)

ACER rubrum – Red Canadian Maple

Wilted or dried leaves and bark can be toxic, damaging red blood cells and reducing oxygen transport.

AESCULUS hippocastanum – Horse Chestnut

Leaves, sprouts, seeds and husks contain toxins and high starch levels that can cause digestive issues or poisoning.

Aesculus hippocastanum 300lt Heritage Collection - March 2023 (2)
Juglans nigra - Black Walnut 12lt RP Dec 2021

JUGLANS varieties – Walnut

Black walnut is especially dangerous. Shavings, sawdust or even proximity to the tree can trigger laminitis and other serious health issues.

QUERCUS varieties – Oak

Leaves and acorns contain tannins that can damage the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract when eaten in large amounts.

Quercus rubra March 2025
Taxus cuspidata Feb 2021 (3)

TAXUS varieties – Yew

All parts of the yew tree are highly toxic and can be fatal. Ingestion can cause rapid heart failure. There is no treatment for yew poisoning.

Other Unsafe Varieties:

Most conifers and pines with needles, Prunus species, Rhododendron species, Sycamore.

Important Note:
This information is provided as a general guide only. Always consult your veterinarian for horse health advice and speak with your landscape professional before planting. Conditions can vary depending on species, location and site requirements.
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