Where does wind do the most harm?
High wind catches large flat surfaces, such as barn doors, roof panels, greenhouse plastic and hoop house covers. It also lifts anything light enough to fly, such as feed bins, panels, tarps and trampolines, turning them into projectiles. Trees with weak limbs or shallow roots can fall, particularly when soil is saturated.
Walk your place and look at it through the eyes of a gust. Note what flaps, rattles, leans or is not tied down.
Wind also drives fire, spreads dust, dries soil and strips moisture from plants, so protection has both structural and agricultural value on a farm.
- Roof edges and loose panels
- Doors and gate latches
- Greenhouse or hoop house covers
- Dead limbs and leaning trees
- Light, loose items in the yard
How do windbreaks help?
A windbreak is a row or rows of trees and shrubs that slow wind and shelter buildings, animals and crops. They can also reduce snow drifting and energy use. Species and spacing differ by region, and young plantings take years to work well. NRCS and your state forestry office can help you choose species and layouts suited to your soil and climate.
Place windbreaks with care so they do not block drainage, shade key areas too much or create snow drifts on driveways.
In open country, windbreaks can also protect soil from erosion and give wildlife cover. Plan for the long term, since a windbreak is a decades-long project, and leave room to maintain the trees as they grow.
What building checks matter before storm season?
Inspect roof fasteners, flashing, door hinges and latches, anchor bolts and the condition of siding and trim. Repair loose or rusty parts. Check that ventilation openings can be closed properly, and have a professional check structural elements if you suspect rot or damage.
Local building rules and wind standards vary by location, so ask your county building office before making structural changes.
Do a short check each spring and fall. Tighten bolts, replace damaged fasteners and write down anything that needs a professional so it does not get forgotten.
How do you protect greenhouses, hoop houses and coops?
Light structures need strong anchoring and tight covers. Keep plastic taut and patch tears before wind finds them. Anchor coops and shelters so they cannot slide or tip, and keep doors latched. If a major windstorm is forecast, consider whether to remove plastic from a hoop house to protect the frame.
Move animals to the sturdiest shelter available when strong wind is forecast.
When you replace covers or sheeting, follow the maker's instructions for attachment, since wind loads depend heavily on correct installation. Check hay and feed storage as well. Loose tarps over stacks can tear away in a gust and leave valuable feed exposed to the rain that often follows wind.
- Anchor lightweight structures to the ground
- Patch tears in covers promptly
- Use secure latches that do not rattle open
- Remove or loosen covers if a severe storm is forecast
What should you do with trees and branches?
Have trees near buildings, lines and animal areas checked for dead wood and structural problems. A certified arborist can judge which trees are a risk and remove them safely. Do not attempt to cut large trees or branches near power lines yourself. Contact your utility.
Keep animals out from beneath trees that look unsound, especially in forecast wind.
After any windstorm, look up as well as down. Broken branches caught high in a tree can fall days later. Remember that wet ground makes trees more likely to topple, so a storm after heavy rain deserves extra caution around old trees.
What is your forecast routine?
The National Weather Service issues wind advisories, high wind warnings and severe thunderstorm warnings. Learn the terms, enable alerts on your phone, and keep a battery radio handy. When a warning is issued, secure animals and loose items, then move yourself and your family to shelter.
Do your yearly checks in a calm season so you are not scrambling when the wind shows up.
Plan a family or crew meeting point for severe wind, and know which room or building is the safest place to take shelter. Interior spaces away from windows are generally better than rooms with large glass or lightweight doors.
Key takeaways
- Look for the weak links: loose panels, latches, covers, dead limbs and light objects.
- Windbreaks help but need local advice on species and layout.
- Anchor light structures and keep covers tight.
- Use the National Weather Service alerts and secure things before a warning.
Sources and further reading
Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.