What trees are best for a horse paddock

Enhancing and preserving the Heritage of your property begins with selecting species that blend safety, shade and compliancy. Choosing horse-friendly trees nurtures the environment while creating quality shelter and forage for your equine companions. Thoughtful avenue and specimen planting enhances paddock comfort and establishes a living legacy of beauty and balance.

Top 5 Trees for Shade and Beauty:

  1. Fraxinus var. (Ash)
  2. Platanus var. (Plane)
  3. Salix Chrysocoma (Golden Weeping Willow)
  4. Tilia var. (Linden Lime)
  5. Ulmus var. (Elm)
Deep Claret - Fraxinus Raywoodii - Wanaka April 2016 (2)
Fraxinus ‘Raywoodii’ avenue
Fraxinus excelsior - Millbrook Autumn Colour - (1) April 2022
Fraxinus excelsior group plantings
  1. Fraxinus var. (Ash)
    Broad canopy offers shade and wind protection, while its classic shape adds heritage appeal.
Platanus orientalis Autumn Glory avenue - Trotts Dec 2021-2
Platanus orientalis ‘Autumn Glory’ avenue

2. Platanus var. (Plane)
Tolerates poor soil and a variety of conditions. Wide canopy cools paddocks and filters air; its striking bark enhances landscape presence. A neat avenue tree.

Poplars & Salix - Cardrona - (2) April 2018
Salix & Poplars – Cardrona

3. Salix sepulcralis Chrysocoma (Golden Weeping Willow)
Provides gentle, aspirin-like forage. Thrives near water, with flowing form that supports drainage and adds serene beauty.

Tilia - Hutton - (1) April 2018
Tilia – Queenstown Estate

4. Tilia var. (Linden / Lime)
Fragrant foliage draws pollinators. Mature trees create deep shade and elevate biodiversity with refined structure.

Ulmus Lobel - Branxholme - (1) March 2020
Ulmus hollandica Lobel avenue – Branxholme
Ulmus Louis van Houtte - Arrowtown - March 2020 (1)
Ulmus Louis van Houtte specimen tree

5. Ulmus var. (Elm)
Golden leaves resist grazing, preserving canopy integrity. Dense branching cools pastures and brings visual vibrancy to open spaces. Ulmus species are generally safe.

Special varieties for unique conditions

For niche soil types, heritage restoration or structural design, explore species such as Betula utilis ‘Jacquemontii’ (Himalayan Silver Birch), Carpinus betulus (Upright Hornbeam), Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip Tree), Populus ‘Crow’s Nest’ (Lombardy Poplar), Ulmus hollandica ‘Lobel’ (Upright Elm), Ulmus parvifolia (Chinese Elm), Ulmus parvifolia ‘Frontier’ (Hybrid Chinese Elm) and Zelkova serrata (Japanese Elm). Each variety offers distinctive form and foliage to enhance paddocks and shelterbelts across diverse New Zealand environments.

Information provided as a guide or reference only. We strongly recommend consulting with a professional for advice and health needs. No responsibility can be taken for content included in this article.

Discover more in our Tree Guides

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Find out more with our comprehensive tree guides for in-depth species profiles, planting advice and cultivation tips. Whether you’re aiming for environmental enhancement, heritage planting or bespoke landscape quality, our resources will help you choose the ideal trees for your equestrian property.

Cultivate Your Legacy

Partner with Easy Big Trees to create a world of lasting quality, timeless legacy as well as creating a world of beauty for your equine friends.

Information provided as a guide or reference only. We strongly recommend consulting with a professional for advice and health needs. No responsibility can be taken for content included in this article.

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Testimonial banner Vicky Lawrence
Harry Winter planting tips: One way to keep your hands warm in Winter is to keep them busy with some planting! It might sound like a strange time to do this but we’re operating on nature’s timeline here, and nature is making sure the soil is moist, while keeping bugs and plant diseases at bay. Your new plants will appreciate the time getting used to their new home before Spring kicks in.
Harry Winter Fruit Tree Pruning Tips: It's true alright. Some work now will reap a bountiful harvest next Summer, when you really do get to enjoy the fruits of your labour. The key is to stick to the 3 D's of pruning, getting rid of anything that's dead, diseased or damaged. Go about your work on a dry day and wear a few layers, so you can take them off as needed. Different fruit trees need to be pruned slightly differently but in general, just remember to not get too carried away. Trimming back by about 20% is a good rule of thumb.
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