Windbreak

Aerial view of field windbreaks in North Dakota. 1997. Photo by Erwin Cole, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

A windbreak, or shelterbelt, is usually made up of one or more rows of trees planted in such a manner as to provide shelter from the wind and to prevent soil erosion. They are commonly planted around the edges of fields on farms. If designed properly, windbreaks around a home can reduce the cost of heating and cooling and save energy. Windbreaks are also planted to help keep snow from drifting onto roadways. Other benefits include providing habitat for wildlife and in some regions the trees are harvested for lumber.

A further use for a shelterbelt is to screen a farm from a main road or motorway. This improves the farm landscape by reducing the visual incursion of the motorway, reducing noise from the traffic and providing a safe barrier between farm animals and the road.

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