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EarthDesignLand design with David Sussberg

Agroforestry · 7 min read

What Is Silvopasture? Trees, Forage and Livestock Together

From EarthDesign, the land-design practice of David Sussberg

The short answer

Silvopasture is the deliberate integration of trees, forage and livestock on the same land, managed together so each benefits. It is not simply letting animals graze in existing woods: without planned tree spacing, forage management and controlled grazing, wooded grazing can damage trees, soil and water.

Swipe the diagram sideways to read all labels.

Silvopasture with rotational grazingThree paddocks each hold spaced, guarded trees with forage between them. Livestock graze one paddock while the other two rest, and an arrow shows animals moving on so grazed areas can recover.Grazing nowRestingRestingLivestock move on; grazed areas restSpaced tree with guardForage between rows
Silvopasture with rotational grazing. Trees, forage and livestock are managed together, with planned rest between grazing periods. Conceptual illustration, not to scale and not a prescription for any site.

The three parts must all be managed

The USDA National Agroforestry Center describes silvopasture as an intentional, intensively managed combination. Trees are spaced or thinned so enough light reaches the forage. Forage is chosen and maintained for the conditions under partial shade. Livestock are moved so they graze forage without stripping bark, compacting roots or overgrazing.

Two common starting points

  • Adding trees to pasture: planting rows or clusters into existing grassland, with protection from livestock while young
  • Thinning woodland: opening a stand to let forage grow, then managing grazing carefully. This needs forestry knowledge and is easy to get wrong

Design considerations

  • Tree species: shade tolerance of forage below, value of timber, nuts or fodder, and toxicity to your livestock
  • Spacing and orientation: wider spacing keeps more forage; rows on contour help with runoff on slopes
  • Protection: young trees usually need guards or temporary fencing
  • Water and access: where animals drink and travel concentrates impact
  • Grazing plan: rest periods and stocking rates matter as much as the trees

Why people choose it

Owners often look to silvopasture for livestock shade and shelter, diversified income from trees over the long term, and improved pasture conditions. These benefits depend on design, climate and management, and some take many years to appear.

Limitations

  • Grazing animals in unmanaged woods is not silvopasture and can harm trees, soils and streams.
  • Silvopasture requires ongoing grazing and tree management. A design does not replace local forestry, grazing or veterinary expertise.

Apply it to your land

Regenerative Land Design for Homesteads, Farms and Ranches

The Living Master Plan brings the earlier steps together: plantings, guilds, agroforestry and grazing placed on your mapped terrain and water, with species shown at mature scale.

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