The unique attributes of some species provide accents in windbreaks that are especially pleasing when visible to the landowner. Consider what you want your outdoor living area to look like and add species that have flowering, fruiting, form, color, or texture characteristics which appeal to you. Enhanced aesthetic quality and a more natural look can be achieved by using curved rows or adding clumps of trees or shrubs to the planting. Throughout the United States, strong winds can make living in rural areas difficult. Strategically planted trees and shrubs will provide protection against the wind and will diminish both its direct and indirect effects upon people, plants, property, and animals.
Windbreaks enhance the quality of life on ranches and farms and add to the value of the property.
A windbreak providing only wind protection is fairly simple to design, but the complexity increases when including additional benefits such as snow control or enhanced wildlife habitat. The requirements and objectives of the ranch or farm owner will always determine the parameters of the best windbreak design to use. For additional information, see other guides in this series or contact your local Cooperative Extension office , the Soil Conservation Service, or State Forestry agency . Elbert C. Dickey, Interim Dean and Director of Cooperative Extension, University of Nebraska, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. This series of windbreak publications is jointly sponsored by the University of Nebraska, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, USDA Forest Service, North Dakota State University, and the Forest Stewardship Program of The Nebraska Forest Service.