The Best and Worst Trees & Shrubs for Horse Pastures

Many of us may not think too much about the trees or shrubs on our property, but if we didn’t have them, our farms would likely be much less aesthetically pleasing, not to mention, far less shady for us and our horses. If you’re like me, chances are, your property came with trees when you bought it, but it’s always good to know which trees and shrubs are the most suitable and also least suitable to have around your horse pasture or any other areas that your horses may have access to.

Now keep in mind that horses can injure themselves on low hanging branches of any tree or could possibly choke by eating any type of leaves or twigs, but as far as trees and shrubs go, there are clearly some types that are much safer than others as far as toxicity goes.

Best Trees for Horse Pastures

The following trees are fast-growing and can make excellent shade trees for your pastures. They are also considered safe if leaves or other parts of the tree are consumed (which doesn’t necessarily mean that your horse will want to consume them). Some of these include:

Tulip Poplars
Hackberry
Sweet Gum
Weeping Willow
Green Ash
Magnolia
Fremont Cottonwood

Other trees which aren’t necessarily fast growing but still make safe shade trees for horses include:

Carolina or Canadian Hemlock
River Birch
Mulberry
Western Redbud
California Ash
Balsam Fir
Pacific Dogwood

And if you’re wanting to plant shrubs around the barn or along fence lines, here are a few safe options to have around horses:

Staghorn Sumac
Black Hawthorn
Saltbush
Bitter Pea
Crape Myrtle
Hagbrier
Scarlet Sage
Magnolia Bush
Coyotebrush
Bush Chinquapin
California Flannelbush

Of course, if you’re planting any of these trees or shrubs, find out which ones grow best in your planting zone.

Worst (Unsafe) Trees and Shrubs for Horse Pastures

There are also a number of trees and shrubs that can be toxic to horses if the leaves, bark, fruit, seeds, and/or other parts are consumed. If you find any of these on your property, it’s best to remove them. Likewise, never plant them in areas that horses have access to. Some of these trees and shrubs include: