The Arbor Day Farm Windbreak Arboretum
 |
| Offering its comfort and protection
to homes like this one, a windbreak helps reduce summer and
winter winds, conserve energy, and shelter wildlife. |
The Windbreak Arboretum at Arbor Day Farm offers conservation and
energy-saving advantages, while demonstrating both an effective
configuration for windbreak design and the rich variety of tree
species suitable for planting in this region. The Arboretum also
illustrates some basic principles of a well-planned windbreak that
can apply to both rural and urban settings.
An effective windbreak presents a continuous barrier to strong
winds, since any gap will serve as a wind tunnel. And in the selection
of trees, tall, fast-growing trees form the backbone of the windbreak,
while smaller trees and shrubs are planted to block wind blowing
closer to the ground. In a small space, a row of evergreen trees
planted close together creates a complete wall against the wind.
In this case, the greatest protection from wind occurs when the
windbreak is no more than the distance of one or two tree heights
from the house. In a larger area, windbreaks prevent or reduce drifting
snow and lower home heating costs by up to 30 percent.
In areas of heavy snowfall, it's best not to plant windbreaks too
close to homes or other buildings. Even in tight urban spaces, however,
windbreaks can be a good choice in regions where snow accumulation
is not a problem. Planting direction is crucial, too, with the greatest
effect produced by planting a windbreak in the direction from which
prevailing winds blow.
A successful windbreak will offer year 'round protection, value,
and grace to any suitable property-and can significantly cut annual
home energy use.
Principles you can use…
Select trees adapted to your region, and consider your special
needs to make the best use of your windbreak. In a small space,
plant evergreen trees close together to create a complete wall against
the wind. For best protection, plant the windbreak no more than
the distance of one or two tree heights from the house. In a larger
area, be sure to allow enough distance between your windbreak and
driveways and walks to prevent drifting snow on the downwind side
of the trees.
To learn more…
Two free publications from The Arbor Day Foundation will
give you tips on how to create a windbreak. For your free copy of
"The Tree Book" and "Conservation Trees," write
to: The Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln,
NE 68508. To order "Conservation Trees" online, visit
the Foundation's Web site at arborday.org.
Web sites:
More information on windbreak arboretums can be found at the following
Web sites:
The
Arbor Day Foundation - Conservation Trees
The USDA National Agroforestry Center -
A partnership of the USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The Natural Resources Conservation
Service – for helpful information on conservation
|
