Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

What do windbreaks and shelterbelts do?

A windbreak is a planting of trees or shrubs that slows the wind. A shelterbelt is generally a larger, wider version. By reducing wind speed, they can protect animals, buildings, crops, soil and people.

They can reduce winter heating needs for a house, limit snow drifting onto lanes, shield gardens and pastures from drying winds and give habitat to birds and other wildlife. They also reduce soil erosion by wind in open ground.

Windbreaks also quiet a farmstead and screen it from dust and noise from nearby roads, which many rural residents value as much as the practical benefits.

• Shelter for animals and buildings
• Less wind erosion of soil
• Controlled snow drifts
• Wildlife habitat and privacy

How do I decide where to plant one?

Think first about where the damaging wind comes from. In many places winter wind arrives from a different direction than summer storms. Watch which way snow drifts and where debris collects. Your local National Weather Service office and long-time neighbors can help you understand the typical patterns.

Place the planting to protect the thing you care about most, whether it is the barn, calving area, garden or house. Leave enough room so that mature trees do not shade important areas or crowd power lines, septic fields, wells and underground utilities.

What species and layout should I choose?

The best plants are those suited to your soil, rainfall, cold hardiness and pests. Native and well-adapted species usually do better. Mixing species lowers the risk that one disease or insect will wipe out the whole planting.

Many designs use several rows with taller trees on the windward side and shrubs closer in. Because the best design depends on the purpose and region, ask your state forestry agency, Extension office or NRCS service center for recommendations instead of copying a layout from a different climate.

Think about maintenance from the start. Leave a strip wide enough for equipment to mow or cultivate, and plan access for spraying, pruning and replacing trees that die.

How do I plant and care for one?

Young trees need careful site preparation, weed control and protection from rabbits, deer and livestock. Watering through the first dry spells makes a large difference to survival. Plan how you will mow or cultivate between rows and how you will reach every tree for care.

Expect patience. A windbreak takes years to reach full effect, so many people plant early and expect to replace losses along the way.

What are the downsides and risks?

Windbreaks use land, take years to mature and need maintenance. A dense planting can trap cold air, hold snow in a spot you do not want it, or shade crops. Trees near roads can cause drifting onto the pavement, which can create safety problems and conflicts with road authorities.

Before planting near property lines, roads, fences or utilities, check county rules and easements. I will not state setbacks or legal requirements here, because they vary and you should confirm them locally.

Also think about fire. In wildfire-prone areas, the species and spacing of plantings near buildings matter, and local fire officials or your state forestry agency can tell you what is safe to plant near structures.

Are there programs that help?

Some state forestry agencies, conservation districts and federal conservation programs offer technical help and sometimes cost sharing for windbreaks. Availability and rules change, and not every farm qualifies.

Start with a conversation at your local NRCS or Farm Service Agency office, or your state forester. Ask what is offered, what the requirements are and how to apply. Do not assume funding exists; ask and confirm in writing.

What mistakes should I avoid with a windbreak?

A common mistake is planting a single species in one tight row. If a pest or disease arrives, the entire barrier can fail. Another is planting too close to buildings, lanes or utilities, which leads to costly removal later.

People also forget that a solid wall of trees can create turbulence on the downwind side, and that trees need space for roots as well as branches. Take time to learn how tall and wide your chosen species will grow.

Finally, do not skip the protection and watering of young trees. Losses in the first years are the most common reason plantings fail.

• One species in one row
• Planting too close to structures
• Ignoring root and canopy size
• Skipping early watering and protection

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.