The spacing of these plants is especially important. If you are planning to use one to three rows of trees, set plants six feet apart in the row and up to eight feet apart between rows. With a planting of four or more rows, space plants 10 to 12 feet apart between rows and six to eight feet apart in the row. All plants in a windbreak should be staggered to allow them to develop and mature properly. Where space is limited, use double rows of dense shrubs in a border that is 10 to 12 feet wide.
Plant shrubs three to four feet apart in rows six feet apart.
Witch hazel, honeysuckle, privet, forsythia, and peashrub are all good choices. Your local nursery or garden center can recommend others. If space is at a premium in your yard, and you can't afford to give up even 10 feet for a shrub border, you can obtain some relief from the wind by constructing a fence or screen. Check with local authorities first to make sure what you plan to build meets current zoning restrictions.