Well-designed windbreaks are an essential part of property management. Windbreaks help to reduce wind speed and provide protection. This protection can result in increased pasture production, improved livestock performance, increased crop yields and higher land value. Additionally windbreaks provide wildlife habitat and help to reduce soil erosion.
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Good design can significantly improve the benefits of a windbreak. The old-fashioned dense, hedge-like shelterbelts are not as effective as less densely planted shelterbelts of two or three rows of different heights.
Ideally, windbreaks should have five rows of different sized trees/shrubs for maximum wind resistance. Hedges actually increase wind turbulence nearby. The aim is to filter the wind through a permeable row of shrubs on the windward side. As this row grows, it will become more dense, therefore less permeable. Ideally, grow something you can thin for firewood to keep this side wind permeable.
Spacing between rows is important. Allow three metres between rows if you want to use a slasher to control weeds and reduce burning hazard. Allow two to three metres from fences to allow low-growing branches (these will slow wind speed close to the ground, where it causes the most erosion damage).
Try to incorporate a mixture of species in the windbreak – nature abhors a monoculture. Having a good mix of species ensures that the entire planting will not be wiped out by a pest or disease. Companion planting with wattles and late-flowering spring shrubs encourages predatory birds and insects, and plants of different heights will be more effective in controlling wind speed.
