Planting windbreaks is one of the most effective ways of improving the appearance of your yard, and it also carries the added benefit of being great for the environment. For those unfamiliar with windbreaks, they are rows of trees that are planted with the purpose of breaking down (hence the name) wind. There are many other benefits of windbreaks, however, including protecting animals (and giving them a home), offering privacy to homeowners, and saving energy. Windbreaks are especially common in the Midwest, where winds can be particularly brutal, but it is possible to plant windbreaks anywhere, provided that the ecosystem allows for large volumes of trees. This post discusses what you should bear in mind should you decide to beautify your lawn by planting windbreaks.
Windbreaks are Great for Reducing Wind
How to arrange windbreaks
When planting windbreaks, it is best to have multiple rows, which is optimal for a couple of reasons. First of all, a denser tree alignment makes it so that the trees will grow more effectively. It is important to note, however, that the rows should be staggered, as this cuts down on the possibility of a wind tunnel forming. In addition, the thicker the alignment of trees, the more privacy you will give your property. If you want to provide protection for crops and soil and even out snow distribution, it is best to plant 1-2 rows. Meanwhile, if you want to supply protection for animals and really cut down on noise, three or more rows are needed. With multiple rows of trees, you also get to save energy, as you will have less carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel; basically, windbreaks can really cut down on your energy consumption.
Not only should you plant multiple rows of trees, but it is best to plant the trees so that they are perpendicular to the strongest winds. When deciding on the specific tree species to plant, you will obviously need to consider which types of trees grow best in your region, but it is generally most effective to plant a mix of coniferous and deciduous trees.
Caring for windbreaks
Very little maintenance is required for windbreaks. It is necessary to take care of weeds, so applying a pre or post-emergent herbicide is wise. Unless a severe dry spell occurs, there is no need to water, but pruning should be conducted when the trees grow too heavily.
Windbreaks require some work and advance planning, but they are a terrific, environmentally-friendly way of beautifying your lawn. Be mindful of some of the tips offered in this article in order to really maximize the benefits offered by windbreaks.
