TREE WINDBREAKS AND SHELTERBELTS 



Field windbreaks, often called shelterbelts, have been 

 planted in the Great Plains area of the United States in order 

 to reduce soil erosion due to wind . 



A wind barrier of living trees and shrubs can accomplish 

 other purposes, too Windbreaks can furnish protection to 

 farmsteads and provide shelter for livestock and feed for 

 wildlife. Since the original plantings made for protection 

 from wind erosion, shelterbelts have been established with 

 other purposes in mind, such as providing wildlife habitat, 

 beautifying the surroundings, preventing the blowing of snow, 

 protecting livestock, increasing yield of field crops, and 

 also, satisfying the landowners like for trees ° 



An adequate farmstead windbreak not only beautifies 

 the homestead but it increases the personal comfort of the 

 farmer and his family both winter and summer. It reduces 

 fuel requirements for heating the home and the other 

 buildings, It can be located in such manner as to help keep 

 snow from drifting into work areas and driveways. It 

 benefits the garden and makes it possible to have an orchard 

 when it would be difficult, if not impossible , without the 

 shelter provided by a windbreak - All windbreaks, regardless 

 of their purposes, will benefit wildlife of some kind by 

 providing shelter and nesting areas and food. 



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