Preble Soil and Water Conservation District

Windbreak Information

DEFINITION

Linear plantings of single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs or sets of linear plantings.

PURPOSES

1.       To reduce soil erosion from wind.

2.       To protect plants from wind related damage.

3.       To alter the microenvironment for enhancing plant growth.

4.       To manage snow deposition.

5.       To provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreational areas.

6.       To enhance wildlife habitat by providing travel corridors.

7.       To provide living noise screens.

8.       To provide living visual screens.

9.       To provide living barriers against airborne chemical drift.

10.   To delineate property and field boundaries.

11.   To improve irrigation efficiency.

12.   To enhance aesthetics.

13.   To increase carbon storage.

Photos courtesy of USDA-NRCS

CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES

On any areas where linear plantings of woody plants are desired and suited.

CRITERIA FOR ALL PURPOSES

1.       The location, layout and density of the planting will accomplish the purpose and function intended within a 20-year period.  

2.       The maximum design height (H) for the windbreak or shelterbelt shall be the expected height of the tallest row of trees or shrubs at age 20 for the given site.  

3.       Species must be adapted to the soils, climate and site conditions. 

4.       Species shall be suited for the planned practice purpose(s). 

5.       Site preparation shall be sufficient for establishment and growth of selected species, not contribute to erosion, and be appropriate for the site.

6.       Only viable, high quality, and adapted planting stock or seed will be used.

7.       The planting shall be done at a time and manner to insure survival and growth of selected species.

a.       Southern Ohio (South of I-70) - Late winter or spring as soon as the ground thaws to April 15^th.

b.       Northern Ohio (North of I-70) - Late winter or spring as soon as the ground thaws to April 30^th.

8.       Spacing between individual plants shall be based on the needed growing space for plant type and species, the accommodation of maintenance equipment, and the desired characteristics of the stem(s), branches and canopy as required for a specific purpose. 

9.       For optimal carbon storage, select plants that are adapted to the site to assure strong health and vigor and plant the full stocking rate for the site.

10.   Avoid planting trees or shrubs where they will interfere with structures and above or below ground utilities.

a.       Where subsurface drains (tile lines) cross through a hardwood windbreak, sealed conduit should be installed a minimum of 100 feet from rows of large spreading trees and 75 feet from small to medium sized trees and shrubs.  Conifers normally do not interfere with drains but invading native tree species can interfere.

b.       Tree and shrub rows are to be 8 feet or more from fences, utility lines, property lines, and roads.  An exception would be where joining landowners agree to establish windbreaks on property line. 

c.       To prevent snowdrift problems the leading edge of a windbreak on the north or west side of a road will be no closer than 75’ from the edge of the road.  Where these specifications differ from State or County regulations, the State or County regulations will be followed if more restrictive.

d.       The windward row of the windbreak will not be closer than 75 feet to the windward side of any building, road, feedlot, or area where snow drifts cannot be tolerated.  Where the landowner has made a decision the drifting snow can be tolerated on improvements, plans must be accompanied with a written explanation of potential snow drifting and icing hazards.

11.   Moisture conservation or supplemental watering shall be provided for plant establishment and growth where natural precipitation is too low for the selected species.

Return to the Preble SWCD District Program Page

Return to the Preble SWCD  Home Page