By Gary Wyatt, Extension Educator - Agroforestry | wyatt@umn.edu Quick facts Windbreaks are plantings of single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs that are planted for: Wind protection Controlling blowing and drifting snow Wildlife habitat Energy saving Living screens Reducing livestock odor The effectiveness of a windbreak depends on choosing the right trees and shrubs and planting them at the right density and spacing. Considerations Choosing the best trees and shrubs for your situation is extremely important to ensure an effective, long lasting windbreak. Plants need to be winter hardy and should have a good history of being suitable for the site and soils. Select multiple species of trees and shrubs so, if there is a failure in a row, the windbreak is still effective. A mix of deciduous and coniferous plants is best and should be selected based on the purpose of the planting. Use native plants whenever possible. Density How dense the planting a
Poultry and animal health scientists and educators at University of Minnesota Extension provide up to date, research-based information on avian health and production in the Midwest.