Preferred species are evergreens, shrubs, and low growing broadleaf trees. Length Length determines the maximum area that can be protected if winds are perpendicular to it. Snow storage at the ends of a barrier is significantly less than near the center. Barrier design must extend far enough beyond the protected area to intercept winds that deviate 25 degrees from either direction of perpendicular. If livestock can access the site, then fencing will be necessary to plantings.
Significant damage can occur from trampling, rubbing, and browsing.
Fencing will avoid soil compaction as well as physical damage to the irrigation system and weed barrier. Key Design Elements Orient living snow fence at right angles to prevailing winter winds. Doubling the height will more than quadruple the amount of snow captured. Confiers are ideal species to plant because of their height and year-round foliage. Many deciduous trees and shrubs also work well, especially in combination with conifers.