Windbreak Design and Species

What does a windbreak do?

A windbreak is a row or rows of trees and shrubs that slows wind. It can reduce winter heating costs, protect livestock from cold and heat, trap blowing snow, and shelter crops and gardens from damaging wind.

It also gives wildlife habitat and can reduce dust and odor drifting from a farm. Benefits depend on design, so thoughtful planning matters.

In very cold regions, a windbreak protects calving and lambing areas and can reduce stress on animals during storms. In hot regions, it can offer shade. Planning for snow is as important as planning for wind. Where snow blows across open ground, a windbreak that is too close to a driveway can create a drift problem.

How do you plan the location?

Study the direction of prevailing winds and snow in your area, and place the windbreak across them. Consider distance from buildings, driveways and fields, since drifting snow can pile up on one side.

Check utilities, easements and property lines before planting. Ask your NRCS office or state forestry agency for design help, since layout depends on purpose and region.

Windbreaks that are too dense can create a sharp drop in wind and dump snow just behind them. A porous design often performs better, so ask a designer about the right balance. Do not skip a visit with a technician. A short site visit often prevents costly mistakes in layout, spacing and species selection.

• Orient across the main wind direction
• Leave space for snow storage
• Keep clear of power lines and septic fields
• Allow room for equipment to turn

How many rows and what species?

Designs range from a single row to several rows mixing evergreens, deciduous trees and shrubs. Density affects how wind passes through, and a mix of heights usually works well. Evergreens give year round shelter.

Pick species adapted to local soil and climate and not prone to local pests. Avoid planting a single species, which can be wiped out by one disease. Local foresters and extension offices publish lists.

Fruit bearing shrubs on the inner or outer rows add food for birds, but avoid species flagged as invasive in your state. Your state agency can tell you which ones to avoid. Plant evergreens on the windward side where recommended locally, and keep shrubs on the outside rows to catch snow and slow wind near the ground. Ask a forester for the right arrangement.

How do you plant and establish it?

Prepare the site by controlling weeds, and plant at the right season for your region. Weed control, often with fabric or mulch, is critical in the first years. Water seedlings during dry weather.

Protect young trees from deer, rabbits and mowers. Replace losses early so the windbreak does not develop gaps.

Drip irrigation or hand watering during the first dry seasons can make the difference between success and failure. Plan for water access before you plant. Plan ahead for orders. Many state nurseries take orders months before planting season, and popular species sell out.

How do you maintain a windbreak over time?

Check the planting each year for dead trees, pests or disease, and replant gaps. Renovation, such as removing aging trees and adding new ones, can extend its life.

Prune with care and keep records of what was planted and when.

Take photos of the windbreak from the same spot every year. They show growth and gaps clearly and help you decide when to renovate. Where a few trees die, replace them promptly with the same or compatible species. A gap invites wind to funnel through.

Can windbreaks help wildlife and the environment?

Yes. Birds, small mammals and insects use windbreaks for food, cover and travel routes. Choosing native or fruit bearing species can increase habitat value.

Windbreaks may also protect soil from erosion by wind and can help keep snow on the land where it will melt into the soil.

Windbreaks near fields can also host beneficial insects that help control crop pests, though the effect varies, so ask your extension office what is known locally. A mix of native species in a windbreak can attract songbirds and beneficial insects, and may add value if you ever want to sell.

Are there programs that can help?

USDA programs and some state agencies have offered technical help or cost sharing for windbreaks. Availability, rules and payment rates change, so ask your local service center.

Many states also provide low cost seedlings through their forestry agency. Order early because supplies can run out.

Keep your paperwork, since programs usually require records of planting dates, species and maintenance. Ask whether the program has height, width or species requirements for your region, and which practices count toward cost sharing.

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