Design Windbreaks with Intended Use in Mind

The best designs for windbreaks depend on their intended purpose and the characteristics of the site where they will be located.

Windbreaks can be planted to enhance wildlife, provide snow protection for humans and livestock, and provide wind protection to dwellings in both winter and summer. Windbreaks also prevent soil erosion caused by wind and reduce water runoff from agricultural lands. Typical windbreaks consist of conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs.

Conifers provide dense foliage to reduce wind speed. Tall deciduous trees extend the area of wind protection with their height. Shrubs trap snow, add beauty to the windbreak and provide wildlife habitat.

The area protected by a windbreak is determined by the windbreak’s average height. Generally, windbreaks protect an area 10 to 15 times the average height of the trees. Windward tree rows should be located approximately 150 to 250 feet upwind of the protected area in order to allow for snow deposition.

Windbreaks are most effective when planted perpendicular to prevailing winds. Windbreaks for winter protection should be located on the north and west side of the farmstead. Summer wind protection is provided by planting on the south and east sides of the farmstead. The number of tree rows and the plant species used will be determined by the intended purposes of the individual windbreak and the amount of space available. Typical windbreaks include two or more rows of conifers and one or more rows each of deciduous trees and shrubs. Windbreaks with two legs or one planted on two sides of the protected area will provide better protection than a planting on one side only.

Assistance with windbreak planning and design is available from Nebraska Forest Service District Foresters, Natural Resource Conservation Service offices, Natural Resource District offices and local Cooperative Extension offices. For more information on planting a windbreak, consult NU Cooperative Extension NebGuide G-1304, Windbreak Design, or Extension Circular 1763, How Windbreaks Work.