by Chuck Harding

Created on: March 01, 2009

A snow fence? Just how important can such a simple device be in our hi-tech world of today? What benefit(s) do they serve and who benefits? It may be surprising to learn they are extremely useful to many people in numerous ways. Some of which will come as a surprise to you. So don't let the term "snow fence" mislead you, there's much more to them than snow.

There are two types of snow fences. (1) Is nature herself, trees and shrubs, and even a rolling terrain. (2) Is man-made. Both types cause the drifting of snow. Without a lot of scientific jargon they are simply explained as fence like barriers that disrupt the aero dynamics of wind driven snow. By installing living or man-made types, in specific locations, we can cause the snow to drift where we prefer it to drift, rather than where it would drift naturally.

Used in their conventional arena, snow fences are used by every country in the colder climates throughout the world, from Alps of Switzerland to the rolling plains of Montana and Wyoming. The first thought, which may come to mind, is the controlling of snowdrifts that sweep across the highways of our nation during winter storms, causing hazardous driving conditions and even impassable roads. Most state highway departments and The Federal Transportation Department have for years realized the value of strategically placed barriers. Such planning saves millions of tax paper dollars every year by reducing the time consuming and expensive process of plowing the roads. As far back as 1908 the railroad companies used snow barriers throughout snow bound mountain passes and the wide open great plains, not only man-made but living barriers such as trees and shrubs. Avalanche control is yet another use for the snow fence, put into effect by many winter ski resorts and The National Park Service. But . . . there's still more surprises.

In the age of "green" and "water conservation" studies show the benefits of intentional snow collection in areas, which are typically dryer, increase the water tables dramatically for an up and coming growing season. Saving water and money for the world's farmers.

Even the countries and states that don't receive snow have found that the barriers reduce the erosion of the sand on those beautiful tourist beaches, keeping them clean and inviting. The use of collecting leaves in the fall in your own back yard, making yard clean up much easier and quicker, still yet another use for our old friend, "the snow fence".

Amazing to me! Something that's so simple and yet so effective, like the zipper or the pencil. Used for controlling snow, water conservation, avalanche threats, soil erosion, debris collection, even to construction site safety perimeters, and don't forget that little league baseball field. Choosing the type of barrier (snow fence) which will serve a need you have can be as easy as a visit to any local fencing supply company or farming supply store. If thinking of planting a live barrier of trees or shrubs a quality professional landscaper will be able to offer a number of good choices.

Snow fence, or Safety fence, or Debris collection fence, or Water conservation device? Beach saver? oh you get the idea. Simple, inexpensive, and so many uses. Don't you wish more things in our lives were like our ole buddy the "snow fence"?

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