Trees Not to Have in Your Horse Pasture

Buttonbush
Horse Chestnut
Pines when eaten in great quantity
Black Walnut
Red Oak
Swamp Maple
Red Maple
White Sumac
Water Hemlock and Poison Hemlock
Ingesting the leaves or needles wood or bark of these trees can be fatal. Chances are if your horse snatches a mouthful of red maple or oak leaves while trail riding it wont be harmed. Many of these trees bushes or shrubs wont be attractive to your horse. They probably dont taste good and if better food is available the horse wont touch them. But if your horse gets
hungry or greedy a stomach full of leaves or tender bark could spell trouble however.
Because most of these toxic trees dont taste very good horses will leave them alone. But during times of drought when pasture grass is sparse your

 horse might snack on the trees despite the unpleasant taste. In the springtime emerging leaves may taste fresher to your horse than a dry hay bale. Storms can down branches putting otherwise unattainable tempting leaves within reach. And in the autumn leaves on the ground may be attractive to some horses. Sometimes its simply not practical to cut all the trees down that may be toxic.

Instead be vigilant for opportunities or situations that might lead to your horse ingesting any part of a toxic tree.
WARNING
If you suspect your horse has eaten parts of a toxic tree call your veterinarian. Prompt veterinary treatment may be required.
Safe Trees
If you do wish to plant trees for shade or windbreak in or near your pasture you might consider the following
Tulip Poplars
Carolina or Canadian Hemlock not water hemlock which is toxic
Willow
Staghorn Sumac shrub
Even though these trees are safe a horse can still overeat bark twigs or leaves which can lead to colic. If you notice your horse is sampling the greenery be sure it isnt gorging itself.