Hoosier Farmland Wildlife Notes: Windbreaks for Farms and Wildlife

A home or farmstead windbreak is a strip of vegetation, generally consisting of multiple rows of trees and/or shrubs that shelters a residence and related structures from the negative effects of wind. While windbreaks can provide excellent food and cover for a variety of wildlife species, their primary function is to reduce wind velocity on the leeward side of the windbreak. The degree of protection depends upon the density and height of the windbreak. However, windbreaks will typically protect an area on their leeward side of 10 times the height of the windbreak (Figure 1). Benefits of windbreaks may even extend to a distance of 20-30 times the height of the windbreak