BUFFER RURAL LAND WITH A WINDBREAK
Adding a windbreak on a property is a judicious choice―especially if you live near open fields.
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Besides directly blocking wind, a windbreak offers many advantages:
• Limits the snow blown onto the property by the wind • Improves energy efficiency when heating the house • Creates a shelter for birds and wildlife • Reduces wind erosion on both sides of the windbreak • Captures airborne particles Additionally, a windbreak can result in capital gains by making property more attractive in the real estate market. |
Phase 1 of a windbreak project created by AVES
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Illustration showing the reduction in wind speed as a function of distance behind the windbreak (as a percentage of original wind speed).
To design an effective windbreak, many factors must be scrupulously considered:
Height: Height is the most important factor that determines the downwind area protected by the windbreak
Density: In addition to the height, the density of the windscreen affects the distance that will be protected from wind
Species: Species included should be large, rapidly growing trees, well adapted to local environmental conditions and resistant to disease, insects and other environmental stresses. In addition, several species should be used to increase the diversity (and therefore the resilience) of the windbreak.
Position: The windbreak needs to be positioned correctly based on the prevailing winds
Number of Rows: Multiple rows make for a better windbreak, but need to design within the confines of available space
Spacing: The spacing between trees and rows is extremely important and is based on a trade-off between ideal growth for individual trees and continuity for an effective windbreak. Plant too close and trees can be stunted but plant too far apart and you risk having gaps in the windbreak
Density: In addition to the height, the density of the windscreen affects the distance that will be protected from wind
Species: Species included should be large, rapidly growing trees, well adapted to local environmental conditions and resistant to disease, insects and other environmental stresses. In addition, several species should be used to increase the diversity (and therefore the resilience) of the windbreak.
Position: The windbreak needs to be positioned correctly based on the prevailing winds
Number of Rows: Multiple rows make for a better windbreak, but need to design within the confines of available space
Spacing: The spacing between trees and rows is extremely important and is based on a trade-off between ideal growth for individual trees and continuity for an effective windbreak. Plant too close and trees can be stunted but plant too far apart and you risk having gaps in the windbreak
Want to add a windbreak to your property? Contact AVES to make it happen