By Doreen McMurray,
Soil & Water Conservation District I & E Specialist
Special to the Voice
“Will the wind ever stop blowing?”
That’s a question you hear all the time when you live in the Magic Valley. On any windy day, you can look across the valley and the sky looks brown! It’s full of blowing dirt! Sometimes it feels like the wind will never stop blowing!
Windbreaks around your home or livestock feeding areas can really make a difference in reducing not only wind velocity, but reducing blowing snow and dirt. Windbreaks also improve the temperature by reducing wind chill in the winter or providing shade in the summer. A windbreak properly placed near a roadway reduces the need for plowing snow and increases visibility. Planting trees increases property value, work well as a sound barrier, and provide wildlife habitat. So, I ask again, “Why should I plant a windbreak?” Here are a few statistics:
Home energy conservation. Windbreaks can decrease winter heating costs 10% to 40% and reduce cold air infiltration into your home by 75%.
Improved crop yields. Yields are higher on the lee sides of windbreaks—anywhere from 5% to 44% – because lower wind speeds evaporate less moisture from the soil and plants. True, the first few rows next to the windbreak will not grow as well, but the area of best soil and crop protection extends to 10 times the height of the windbreak.
Reduced soil erosion. A windbreak will decrease wind speed close to the ground up to 50%, lessening the wind’s ability to blow away your topsoil and productivity.
Better livestock performance. The energy requirements for beef cows increases 13% for each 10° F drop in windchill temperature below 30° F. That means when it’s 10° F and the wind is blowing 25 miles per hour (-29° F windchill), cows use 77% more energy, standing outside, just to stay warm. A windbreak would reduce that consumption by more than half.
Snow drift control. A properly placed windbreak will keep snow from drifting across your driveway, farm lane, or access roads—a big advantage when it’s time to plow.
Wildlife habitat. Wildlife will use windbreaks for cover, food and reproduction. Studiesd have shown 50 to 80 bird nests per mile of windbreak! Don’t forget, birds are important predators of insects and rodents too.
Increased home value. Healthy trees around your home add value to your property.
How Long Until I Get Results?
An irrigated, weed-free windbreak will provide noticeable protection within 3 to 4 years and will give effective protection within 7 to 8 years. Dryland windbreaks will give effective protection within about 7 to 12 years, depending on soil and precipitation.
How Do I Get Started?
The first thing you need to do is to evaluate where a windbreak is needed or where you would like trees to be planted. For a windbreak, it is recommended to have 3 to 5 rows for maximum benefit but even one row will provide some positive results. Measure the width of your area and determine how many rows you need or how many rows you have room for. Decide which variety of tree you want in each row. A windbreak needs to be dense near the ground. So select a bushy, dense deciduous shrub for the windward or outside row. Shrubs make ideal single row or double row low windbreaks around yards and gardens. They are often used for living snow fences and provide excellent wildlife habitat. They also provide the needed protection for evergreens in a windbreak. Many varieties also add beautification as they have blossoms.
Deciduous trees are often used for the middle rows in a windbreak. They are generally faster growing than evergreens and thus provide earlier protection. Evergreen trees are an important part of a windbreak because they provide excellent protection year-round. They should be included in a windbreak whenever possible. You can plant one or two evergreen rows on the leeward side of the windbreak.
Seedling Trees are available now from the Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Burley. The seedlings come in bundles of 10 trees per bundle for a cost of $30 plus tax. Begin your planning now and pre-order your trees. The seedlings will arrive mid-late April. You can see detailed photos and information on the seedlings by coming into the USDA office at 1361 East 16th street in Burley. Or you can request information and order forms by e-mail at ewcswcd@pmt.org. For more information, call Megan in the office at 678-1225 x3 or Doreen at 878-5556.
One Comment on "Why Should I Plant a Windbreak?"
The green giant trees make good windbrakes—do you know of a better wind break to use?????? These cedar trees are supposed to be deer resistant—–In our area of Tennessee that is an important consideration—-In Indiana we used Lombardy poplar for wind brakes as well. You did not suggest what species you recommended——So your recommendation might be better than the ones I mentioned—–?????