Best plants for windbreak hedges

A windbreak is a linear planting designed to reduce wind speed over a protected area. Per USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a well-designed windbreak reduces wind speed in the lee zone (downwind side) by 50–70% for a distance of 10–15× the windbreak height. A 30-foot tall.

A windbreak is a linear planting designed to reduce wind speed over a protected area. Per USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), a well-designed windbreak reduces wind speed in the lee zone (downwind side) by 50–70% for a distance of 10–15× the windbreak height. A 30-foot tall windbreak protects a 300–450 foot zone on the downwind side.

Windbreak design differs from privacy screen design in important ways. Per USDA NRCS, a solid barrier that completely blocks wind creates turbulence on the lee side; a windbreak with 40–50% porosity (allowing some wind through) produces a longer, more uniform zone of reduced wind. Mixed plantings of different species and heights achieve this naturally.

Windbreak design principles

Per USDA NRCS, effective windbreaks include:

• Multiple rows (3–5 rows minimum for maximum protection)
• Tall, dense trees in the center rows for height and wind lift
• Medium shrubs on windward side to deflect low-level wind upward
• Dense low shrubs on leeward side to fill the gap between tree canopy and ground level
• 40–50% porosity rather than solid density

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