by Quentin Morris

Created on: December 02, 2008   Last Updated: December 03, 2008

I come from the North Norfolk coast, in the UK. As one of the most remote areas of England, life on this desolate strip of coastline has always been tough. Both summer and winter the beaches and surrounding farmland are buffeted by strong winds, more often than not bitter northerlies that blast straight down from the Arctic Circle. The trees in this exposed wilderness grow horizontally from the force of the wind.

While I was still young my parents decided to move to this windswept area and set up a small holding. They bought a treeless piece of arable land on a hill side facing onto the sea and attempted to begin a life of self-sufficiency. This is how I learned that in Norfolk, or any windy area, the humble tree is a homestead farmer's best friend. My parents undertook an intensive planting program, knowing that they needed to protect the soil before they could do anything else. Twenty years later the hedges and trees have matured and the small holding is flourishing.

There are a raft of benefits to planting a good wind break, from home energy conservation to wild life habitat creation, as well as making your windy homestead a nicer place to be for you and your livestock.

Home energy conservation

Plant the windbreak near to your home. This way in the summer the trees will provide shade, reducing inside temperature and lowering your air-conditioning bill. Protection from the wind can also reduce energy costs by up to 23% in the winter (1). Windbreaks need careful planning to be fully effective, from the distance away from the house the trees are planted to the tree species used. The following are some of the key considerations

Distance: The closer to the windbreak is to your home, the more effective the energy conservation of the house. At a distance of (height of windbreak) x 5 there is a 78% reduction in wind speed. At a distance of (height of windbreak) x 30 there is as little as a 4% reduction in wind speed (2). It is therefore important to position your windbreak at the correct distance for maximum energy savings.

Density: Planting three rows of trees is the minimum recommended, with every row up to ten rows improving wind reduction. Rows should also be well spaced if possible to enable the trees to grow to their maximum height and develop branches low down. The recommended spacing is a minimum of 14 feet, although this may not always be possible on small plots. By alternating two rows of trees with one of shrubs, you will also provide ground level protection.

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