The Best Evergreens for Wind

Eastern Redcedar, Juniperus Virginiana

• The eastern redcedar is a small evergreen, native to North America. This tree grows best in full sunlight in dry soils. Eastern redcedar can be planted in the outer rows of multi-row windbreak plantings where taller trees do not impose on its growth. If a dense, medium-height wind boundary is desired, plant alone in singe rows.

Arizona Cypress, Cupressus Arizonica

• The Arizona cypress is the only cypress native to the southwest United States, and is the best choice for wind control in that region. This tree grows naturally in dry, rocky slopes, but prospers much better in rich, irrigated soils. Arizona cypress needs deep watering biweekly; other than that, it requires little maintenance.

Austrian Pine, Pinus Nigra

• Austrian pine was brought to the United States from western Europe in the 1800s and has been used since then. This evergreen's bulky and extended branches make it useful as a windbreak. Plant in open sunlight, free of shade, in both multi-row or single windbreaks.

Rocky Mountain Juniper, Juniperus Scopulorum

• Rocky Mountian Juniper, native to western North America, can grow in a broad variety of soils and conditions. Small seedlings will need to be protected from weed, rodents and other pests during the first few years, but is usually resilient to insect and disease problems. For windbreaks, Rock Mountain juniper can be planted in outer rows of multi-row plantings to protect it from taller trees. If a compact, medium-height windbreak is desired, plant in single-rows.

Arborvitae, Thuja Occidentalis

• Arborvitae is a small to medium evergreen, native to wet bogs and rocky areas in North America. Although smaller than many windbreak evergreens, Arborvitae has a close-fitting crown and flexible branches that make it a popular choice for amplifying wind protection in small spaces.

Ponderosa Pine, Pinus Ponderosa

• Ponderosa Pine is large and long-lived evergreen native to the western United States. This tree grows well in shallow soils and bare rock, as its roots can follow the crevices in rocks. Ponderosa Pine has been described by USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program as a handsome tree and one of the best to use for windbreaks.

Afghanistan Pine, Pinus Elderica

• As the name implies, Afghanistan pine is native to Afghanistan, along with southern Russia and Pakistan. This is a large evergreen that is tolerant of many conditions including drought, heat, wind and sub-par soil. It's hardiness, along with the little maintenance it requires, makes the Afghanistan pine a worthy choice as a wind barrier.