WINDBREAKS 45 



7. During the blossoming period unobstructed high winds 

 often do considerable damage to the proper pollination of the 

 blossom, first, by blowing away a large amount of the pollen, and, 

 second, by bringing about a condition which is not favorable for 

 insect work. Without proper pollination, there is lack of fruit 

 setting. A good windbreak would check the high wind enough 

 so that insect life would be very active in helping to carry pollen. 

 At the same time, there might be just enough wind allowed to 

 pass through the windbreak to aid greatly in the spread of this 



- Fig. 12. Effects of wind on old trees 

 Windbreaks properly placed would have prevented this. (Courtesy of M. C. Burritt) 



pollen from blossom to blossom. The result would be that with 

 this improved condition there might be more certainty of a full 

 setting of fruit upon the trees. 



8. The pruning of apple trees in the late winter or early spring, 

 especially if performed on windy days and in exposed places, is 

 often dangerous for the primer and harmful to the trees. Fre- 

 quently the high winds make it impossible to work among the 

 trees during these periods. 



Harvesting is also made very difficult in its season if the trees 

 are exposed to the full sweep of the wind. Few pickers can work 

 advantageously on a swaying ladder or among branches that are 



