Plastic snowfence treated with U.V. inhibitors is lightweight and claims to last twenty years but is more expensive than wood. Recent trials in N.B. have indicated a much shorter life expectancy for plastic windbreaks, however this may be dependant on the method of support for the fence. In all artificial windbreaks the costs of supporting the structure must be considered. Living - Perennials Several tree species serve as excellent windbreaks. Low maintenance, fast growth and longevity are all desirable features.
Trees have the disadvantage of requiring time to grow to an effective height.
However, they are much cheaper initially to establish. In some parts of the world tall row crops or grasses are used as a windbreak for lower crops. Corn, sunflowers, or rye grass can be planted at regular intervals to provide shelter to low crops. Usually a double row of corn or sunflowers spaced at 40 cm between rows and at a plant spacing of 25 cm within the row is recommended. Improving the efficiency of a windbreak by minimizing the edge effects.