PRACTICE WINDBREAK/SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT (Ft.) 380 DEFINITION will accomplish the purpose and function intended within a 20-year period. Windbreaks or shelterbelts are single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs in linear configurations. Refer to Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Standard 490, for preparing site conditions for plant establishment. PURPOSE The maximum design height (H) for the Reduce soil erosion from wind. windbreak or shelterbelt shall be the expected Protect plants from wind related damage. height of the tallest row of trees or shrubs at age 20 for the given site. Alter the microenvironment for enhancing plant growth. Species must be adapted to the soils, climate and site conditions. Manage snow deposition. No plants on the Federal or state noxious weeds Provide shelter for structures, animals, and list shall be planted. people. Spacing between individual plants shall be Enhance wildlife habitat. based on the needed growing space for plant Provide noise screens. type and species, the accommodation of maintenance equipment, and the desired Provide visual screens. characteristics of the stem(s), branches and canopy as required for a specific purpose. Improve air quality by reducing and intercepting air borne particulate matter, The windbreak will be oriented as close to chemicals and odors. perpendicular to the troublesome wind as possible. Delineate property and field boundaries. The length of the windbreak will be sufficient to Improve irrigation efficiency. protect the site including consideration for the Increase carbon storage in biomass and and changes in wind direction. “end effect” soils. Avoid planting trees or shrubs where they will Reduce energy use interfere with structures and above or below ground utilities. CONDITIONS WHERE APPLIES Moisture conservation or supplemental watering Apply this practice on any areas where linear shall be provided for plant establishment and plantings of woody plants are desired and suited growth where natural precipitation is too low for for controlling wind, noise, and visual resources. the selected species. Use other tree/shrub practices when wind, noise Refer to Tree/Shrub Establishment Standard 612 and visual problems are not concerns. for further guidance on planting trees and CRITERIA shrubs. General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes Additional Criteria to Reduce Wind Erosion and Protect Growing Plants The location, layout and density of the planting
WINDBREAK/SHELTERBELT ESTABLISHMENT (Ft.) 380 DEFINITION Windbreaks or shelterbelts are single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs in linear configurations. PURPOSE Reduce soil erosion from wind. Protect plants from wind related damage. Alter the microenvironment for enhancing plant growth. Manage snow deposition. Provide shelter for structures, animals, and people. Enhance wildlife habitat. Provide noise screens. Provide visual screens. Improve air quality by reducing and intercepting air borne particulate matter, chemicals and odors. Delineate property and field boundaries. Improve irrigation efficiency. Increase carbon storage in biomass and soils. Reduce energy use CONDITIONS WHERE PRACTICE APPLIES Apply this practice on any areas where linear plantings of woody plants are desired and suited for controlling wind, noise, and visual resources. Use other tree/shrub practices when wind, noise and visual problems are not concerns. CRITERIA General Criteria Applicable to All Purposes The location, layout and density of the planting will accomplish the purpose and function intended within a 20-year period. Refer to Tree/Shrub Site Preparation Standard 490, for preparing site conditions for plant establishment. The maximum design height (H) for the windbreak or shelterbelt shall be the expected height of the tallest row of trees or shrubs at age 20 for the given site. Species must be adapted to the soils, climate and site conditions. No plants on the Federal or state noxious weeds list shall be planted. Spacing between individual plants shall be based on the needed growing space for plant type and species, the accommodation of maintenance equipment, and the desired characteristics of the stem(s), branches and canopy as required for a specific purpose. The windbreak will be oriented as close to perpendicular to the troublesome wind as possible. The length of the windbreak will be sufficient to protect the site including consideration for the “end effect” and changes in wind direction. Avoid planting trees or shrubs where they will interfere with structures and above or below ground utilities. Moisture conservation or supplemental watering shall be provided for plant establishment and growth where natural precipitation is too low for the selected species. Refer to Tree/Shrub Establishment Standard 612 for further guidance on planting trees and shrubs. Additional Criteria to Reduce Wind Erosion and Protect Growing Plants
WindbreakShelterbeltEstablishment(380).docx