Hedgerows are in effect low shelterbelts, usually made up only of shrubs.
All three are used to limit wind erosion on exposed sites, control drifting snow, fence livestock, and provide fuelwood, poles, posts, wildlife habitat, bee forage, food and fodder. They are also beautiful. A useful distinction can be drawn between permeable windbreaks and dense shelterbelts. This type of windbreak, usually one or two rows of trees with a shrub understory, is used for protecting cropland and orchards. Shelterbelts, on the other hand, are comprised of two or more rows of trees.