Windbreaks

Multiple rows of trees are planted to protect a farmstead, feedlot or open field from wind and snow. Conifer trees or a mix of conifer and deciduous trees can be used, along with one or two rows of shrubs. The established trees and shrubs slow wind on the downwind side of the windbreak for a distance of 10 times the height of the trees. The windbreak reduces wind erosion, controls blowing/drifting snow, conserves energy used for heating and cooling, serves as a sound barrier, and provides wildlife food and cover.

Space shrubs 3 to 6 feet in the row and 6 to 10 feet between rows.

• AMERICAN CRANBERRY HIGH-BUSH (Viburnum Trilobum)**

• COMMON NINEBARK (Physocarpus Opulifolius)

• DOGWOODS

  • • • RED OSIER (Cornus Sericea)**

      • GRAY (Cornus Racemosa)

      • PAGODA (Cornus Alternifolia)

      • SILKY (Cornus Amomum)

• ELDERBERRY

• HAZELNUT, AMERICAN (Corylus Americana)**

• LILAC, COMMON (Syringa Vulgaris)**

• NANNYBERRY (Viburnum Lentago)

• SANDBAR WILLOW (Salix Interior)

• SAND CHERRY (Prunus Cistena)

• SERVICEBERRY (Amelanchier Alnifolia)

• SILVER BUFFALOBERRY (Shepherdia Argentea)

• SILVERBERRY (Elaeagnua Communtate)

**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE & SHRUB SALE

• Plan the windbreak for at least the north and west sides of the areas to be protected, with the rows extending 50 feet beyond the area. However, don't plan too close to buildings, roads or driveways on north and west sides or snow may accumulate in these areas. 

• Avoid planting windbreaks on the south or east sides of roads or driveways; the trees will shade the road and prolong icy conditions.

• Consider whether the mature windbreak will cause a vision hazard for drivers.

• Keep plantings at least 20 to 30 feet away from phone or utility lines. 

• A mix of conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs provides the best cover for wildlife.

• Space trees 10-12 feet apart and shrubs 4-8 feet apart.

FOR PROTECTING CROPS, SOIL AND DISTRIBUTING SNOW:

• Plant at 25 to 50% density

• Plant one row deciduous shrubs and two rows deciduous trees and shrubs

FOR PROTECTING AGAINST BLOWING AND DRIFTING SNOW:

• Plant at 50 to 65% density

• Plant twin rows of deciduous shrubs then:

  • • • 1st row; evergreen trees

      • 2nd row; evergreen trees and deciduous trees

      • 3rd row; a combination of deciduous trees and shrubs

TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS, LIVESTOCK ODORS AND NOISE, OR PROVIDE WILDLIFE HABITAT:

• Plant at 65% or more density

• Plant twin rows of evergreen trees then three or more rows in a combination of evergreen trees and deciduous trees and shrubs.

MAINTENANCE:

• Control competing vegetation with tillage or herbicides before planting and for the first three years after planting.

• Fence out livestock.

• Inspect the windbreak regularly to control damage.

Space 10 to 15 feet in the row and 20 feet between rows.

• American Plum (Prunus Americana)

• Black Chokeberry (Aronia Melanocarpa)

• Crabapples (Malus sp.)**

• Hawthorn, Arnold (Crataegus Arnoldiana)

• Nanking Cherry (Prunus Tomentosa)

• Pin Cherry (Prunus Pennsylvanica)

**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE & SHRUB SALE

Choosing the best trees and shrubs for your situation is extremely important to ensure an effective, long lasting windbreak. Plants need to be winter hardy and show have a good history of being suitable for the site and soils. Select multiple species of trees and shrubs so, if there is a failure in a row, the windbreak is still effective. A mix of deciduous and coniferous plants is best and should be selected based on the purpose of the planting. Use native plants whenever possible.

Space 12 to 20 feet in the row and 20 feet between rows.

• BIRCH, RIVER (Betula Papyrifera)**

• BUCKEYE, OHIO (Aesculus Glabra)

• CATALPA, NORTHERN (Catalpa Speciosa)

• COTTONWOOD, EASTERN (Populus Deltoides)

• ELM, AMERICAN 'PRINCETON' (Ulmus Americana 'Princeton')

• HACKBERRY (Celtis Occidentalis)

• HICKORY, SHAGBARK (Carya Ovata)

• HONEYLOCUST, COMMON (Gleditsia Triacanthos)

• KENTUCKY COFFEETREE (Gymnocladus Dioica)

• LINDEN, AMERICAN (Tilia Americana)

• LINDEN, LITTLE LEAF (Tilia Cor Data)

• MAPLE, AUTUMN BLAZE (Acer x Freemanii)

• MAPLE, SILVER (Acer Saccharinum)

• OAK, BUR (Quercus Macrocarpa)

• OAK, RED (NORTHERN) (Quercus Rubra)

• OAK, SWAMP WHITE (Quercus Bicolor)

• OAK, WHITE (Quercus Alba)

• WALNUT, BLACK (Juglans Nigra)

**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE & SHRUB SALE

Space 20 to 25 feet in the row and 20 to 25 feet between rows.

• Balsam Fir (Abies Balsamea)**

• Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus Virginiana)

• Eastern White Pine (Pinus Strobus)

• Meyer Spruce (Picea Meyer)

• Ponderosa Pine (Pinus Ponderosa)

• Red Pine (Pinus Resinosa)**

• White Cedar (Thuja Occidentalis)**

• White Spruce 'Black Hills' (Picea Glauca 'Densata')

• White Spruce (Picea Glauca (moerch) Voss)**

**SOLD DURING THE ADAMS COUNTY TREE & SHRUB SALE