Windbreaks for Homesites

Brief Description

Topics

Full Text

Windbreaks can greatly reduce wind velocity increasing both your outdoor and indoor comfort levels. In addition, they can reduce highway noise, provide a visual screen, provide food and cover for wildlife and improve the efficiency of irrigation systems. Winter Protection Windbreaks slow winter winds and reduce heating costs in homes, barns and out-buildings. Heat loss through walls and windows and cold air infiltration can be reduced by as much as 75 percent. Calm air is a better insulator than moving air. Winter heating costs can be reduced by 10 to 25 percent with well-planned windbreaks. Windbreak rows planted on the north and west sides of a homesite are best for winter protection. A minimum of two rows are needed for winter protection with both rows preferably made up of evergreen trees. If space is available for three or more rows, the ideal windbreak would consist of a shrub row farthest from the homesite. Then, the middle row could either be hardwood trees or evergreen trees. The closest row to the home should consist of evergreen trees. Summer Protection Windbreaks trap blowing dust and add comfort to the home and lawn. For summer protection, rows of trees should be placed on the south side of the homesite. A single row of trees can have some effect and can provide a visual screen for privacy. However, two rows are preferred to maximize effect. Evergreen trees with dense foliage are most effective against the wind. Hardwood trees or shrubs can also be effective and provide other wildlife benefits.