What Are the Benefits of Windbreaks?

Reduced Soil Erosion

• Windbreaks prevent soil erosion downwind for a distance of 10 to 20 times their height. A windbreak not only reduces the high winds that result in soil erosion, it also reduces moisture loss from the soil, which in turn reduces the amount of soil lost to wind erosion.

Reduced Energy Costs

• Windbreak trees reduce the cold air infiltrating your home in winter and cool the surrounding air in summer when water evaporates off the leaves, resulting in energy savings. The University of Toronto notes that one mature deciduous tree provides cooling equal to 10 room-size air-conditioners.

Snow Control

• Windbreaks help control snow drifts near buildings and roads and distribute snow more evenly over fields in agricultural settings. A dense windbreak retains snow to control drifting, while a single row of openly spaced trees can distribute snow over a distance of 25 times their height.

Crop and Livestock Protection

• Windbreaks provide a sheltered area for farm animals and livestock, increasing animal productivity by reducing the amount of energy they must use to maintain body temperature in hot and cold weather. It also leads to cost savings because animals need to consume more food to maintain body temperature when exposed to extreme cold. A windbreak can also increase crop yields up to 44 percent by stabilizing daytime and nighttime temperatures, blocking crop-damaging winds and helping retain soil moisture.

Other Benefits

• A windbreak can be an asset in itself by serving as a source of firewood and other wood products and food, such as maple syrup, nuts or fruit. Windbreaks can provide cover and food for wildlife, including pollen and nectar for bees. They offer beautification, an attractive visual barrier and a natural sound barrier. Windbreak trees also filter out dirt and dust particles from the air that would otherwise settle in your house and yard.