Shade bushes the chickens won't eat/destroy? Ideas?

[ChickInDelight]

Willows work wonders for me. When we moved here 8 years ago my flock had no shade. I put up pieces of plywood to make a little shade. The next spring I planted willows and they have grown to do exactly what I wanted. I wish I could remember the type and name of those that I planted, I can't... but I know they are not weeping willows. Plant them in the spring as soon as your soil is above freezing. Give them plenty of water. We have well water here... I hope you, too are on a well. Here in the Pacific Northwest we have an abundance of rain 9 months out of the year... and that helps. July, August and September can be hot and dry. I keep a trickle of water running on them during the hot summer days. I hope this helps. Willows are fast growing.

I would be very interested to know what kind of willows. My only experience is the weeping willows with roots that find underground water. Unfortunately, my well lines and septic are near my coop, so I would have to be very careful.

 

[Kymarose]

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/WillowHybrid.htm

I ordered my trees on line 7-8 year ago. I can't find the order or company I ordered from so I looked up another company on line. The link is above. There are several types of willow trees and they are fast growing. I hope this helps.

 

[ChickInDelight]

http://www.fast-growing-trees.com/WillowHybrid.htm

I ordered my trees on line 7-8 year ago. I can't find the order or company I ordered from so I looked up another company on line. The link is above. There are several types of willow trees and they are fast growing. I hope this helps.

Thanks - I am checking it out now.

 

[Kymarose]