Double El/Agate Conservation Districts

Serving landowners in parts of Elbert, El Paso and Lincoln Counties

P.O. Box 215, 504 Washington Simla, CO 80835 Phone: 719-541-2359 Fax 719-541-3061

                             cherylchurchscd@att.net                           

click here for a great web page for windbreak design by the USDA

Windbreaks are planted to protect soil, crops, livestock, and homes or other farm buildings from high winds.  In winter they control snow drifting, reduce cold winter winds and protect livestock.  In summer, windbreaks protect gardens, and other field crops from drying winds as well as reduce soil erosion.  Windbreaks also provide cover for wildlife.

To give the best protection windbreaks must be dense enough to reduce wind velocity.  They must be located far enough from farm buildings, paths, and driveways to allow snow drifting where it will be beneficial instead of a nuisance.  Every windbreak should include one or more rows of evergreens for winter protection and at least one row of tall hardwoods for maximum summer protection.  It is particularly important to have low growing shrubs on the windward side to prevent wind from sweeping under the windbreak, drying the ground in summer and carrying snow into the farm yard in winter. 

Maintenance:  Replacements should be made as soon as possible with the same species.  This is particularly important the first few years.  A good windbreak is one having uniform density and height throughout. 

There are designs for windbreaks that can be planned for you by the staff at the conservation districts or the  NRCS.  Call to schedule an appointment to get your custom design that will be developed using the factors of your land that affect your windbreak design.