“Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment” NEDC Conservation Buffers Course:

1. United States Department of Agriculture “Windbreak/Shelterbelt Establishment” NEDC Conservation Buffers Course: Part II – Planning / Designing / Maintaining Buffers

2. Activity: Planning and Designing Effective Buffers – Windbreak / Shelterbelt Objective: Participants will be able to plan and design windbreaks/shelterbelts for a given location that effectively achieve desired functions and are compatible with site features/capacities and a producer’s existing/planned management systems. The hosting state’s practice standard and specifications will be the main reference. Information and data will be provided on windbreak/shelterbelt design elements to achieve desired purposes and match site and producer requirements. Participants will demonstrate their knowledge by completing a design exercise for a given situation.

3. Windbreak / Shelterbelt Definition: Plantings of single or multiple rows of trees or shrubs that are established for one or more environmental purposes.

4. Design Elements • Orientation (location and layout) • Species • Height • Density • Width (number of rows) • Length • Management • Operation and maintenance • Limitations Criteria for elements vary by purpose What are the defined purposes for windbreak or shelterbelt?

5. Reduce soil erosion from wind Protect plants from wind related damage Alter microenvironment for enhancing plant growth Manage snow Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreational areas Enhance wildlife habitat by providing travel corridors Provide living noise screens Provide living visual screens Provide living barriers against airborne chemical drift Delineate property and field boundaries Improve irrigation efficiency Enhance aesthetics Increase carbon storage Practice Purposes* *Source: NRCS National Standard 380

6. Table Purposes – Windbreak/Shelterbelt (Feet) Code 380 1. Reduce soil erosion from wind Design elements for Windbreak / Shelterbelt Establishment 2. Protect plants from wind related damage 3. Alter the microenviron-ment for enhancing plant growth 5. Manage snow deposition 4. Improve irrigation efficiency 6. Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreational areas 7. Enhance wildlife habitat by providing travel corridors Perpendicular to summer winds Connect fragmented habitat of targeted species Orientation (location and layout) Perpendicular to damaging winds during plant emergence Perpendicular to soil erosive winds Perpendicular to prevailing wind direction during growing season Perpendicular to prevailing winter winds Perpendicular to troublesome winds Species Optimal branching/foliage density during the growing season Favor conifers for accumulation; select flexible branching & resprouting Preference to native species; match species to traits desired wildlife Optimal branching/ foliage density during wind erosion period Optimal branching/foliage density during the growing season Optimal branching/ foliage density during growing season Mix of deciduous & conifer; favor conifers for winter protection Height Match height to achieve desired protected area Match height to achieve desired protected area Match height to snow storage needed Favor tallest trees to the site Match height to achieve desired protected area Match heights of vegetation in potential plant community Match heights of vegetation to potential natural plant community Density 60-80% 40-60% 40-60% 40-60% 40 - 60% Any density 25-35% for distribution 60-80% for accumulation Width Normally 3 – 5 rows but can exceed this depending on secondary goals > 5 rows 1 – 3 rows 1 – 3 rows 1 – 3 rows 1 – 5 rows > 5 rows 1 – 3 rows Length At least 10 times the height At least 10 times the height At least 10 times the height At least 100 feet beyond the area being protected At least 10 times the height Sufficient length to connect targeted habitats At least 10 times the height … continued next page Exercise - Field Table Exercise – Frmstd. 1 Exercise – Frmstd. 2

7. Table Purposes – Windbreak/Shelterbelt (Feet) Code 380 1. Reduce soil erosion from wind Design elements for Windbreak / Shelterbelt Establishment 2. Protect plants from wind related damage 3. Alter the microenviro-ment for enhancing plant growth 5. Manage snow deposition 4. Improve irrigation efficiency 6. Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreational areas 7. Enhance wildlife habitat by providing travel corridors Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Match silviculture to target species Management Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Operation and maintenance Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Natural mortality can increase habitat diversity Replace dead stock in first 3-5 years & control damaging agents Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Limitations Limited protection initially; compete with protected crops Difficult to design compatibly with irrigation system Moisture from snow may limit spring field operations Limited protection initially; compete with protected crops Limited protection initially; compete with protected crops Limited protection initially Increased predation; Wildlife needs may extend beyond windbreak … continued next page Exercise - Field Table Exercise – Frmstd. 1 Exercise – Frmstd. 2 END

8. Table Purposes – Windbreak/Shelterbelt (Feet) Code 380 8. Provide living noise screens Design elements for Windbreak / Shelterbelt Establishment 9. Provide living visual screens 10. Provide living barriers against airborne chemical drift 12. Enhance aesthetics 11. Delineate property and field boundaries 13. Increase carbon storage Adjacent to boundary lines Orientation (location and layout) Closest to the viewpoint Closest to the noise source Perpendicular drift source and prevailing wind direction during application Perpendicular to prevailing winds Any Species Dense branching and foliage throughout the height Dense branching and foliage through its height Dense branching and foliage; favor evergreens Any Select for desired color, structure and/or form to fit the site/landscape Species capable of maximizing biomass for the site Height Any Species with potential height greater than noise line Species with potential height greater than site line Favor tallest trees and for trapping, dense ground hugging shrubs Favor tallest trees for the site Height compatible to surrounding landscape Density Any 40 – 80% >60% > 60% > 60% Any Width Maximum number of rows to fit the site Any 1 – 5 rows 2 – 5 rows Any 3 – 5 rows Length Sufficient length to block the view Any When practical, two times the distance from the noise source Maximum length to fit the site At least 10 times the height Variable length to fit the site … continued next page Exercise - Field Table Exercise – Frmstd. 1 Exercise – Frmstd. 2

9. Table Purposes – Windbreak/Shelterbelt (Feet) Code 380 8. Provide living noise screens Design elements for Windbreak / Shelterbelt Establishment 9. Provide living visual screens 10. Provide living barriers against airborne chemical drift 12. Enhance aesthetics 11. Delineate property and field boundaries 13. Increase carbon storage Perform cultural operations to maintain desired character Management Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Maintain density through pruning, thinning, or planting Perform cultural operations to maximize biomass Perform cultural operations to maintain desired character Operation and maintenance Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Natural mortality can increase habitat diversity Replace dead stock in first 3-5 years & control damaging agents Replace dead stock in first 3-5years & control damaging agents Natural mortality can increase habitat diversity Replace dead stock & continue needed cultural operations Limitations May be competitive with adjoining plants Most reduction when combined with an earth mound Results may be seasonally variable Herbicide drift may be detrimental Carbon markets not fully developed or dependable Design highly dependent upon landowner objectives … continued next page Exercise - Field Table Exercise – Frmstd. 1 Exercise – Frmstd. 2 END

10. Design Exercise Map – Wind-related Practices – Example problem • Field & Farmstead Setting: • The field is continuously cropped with one to two years out four using a low residue crop. • Road cuts along the south side of the field result in snowdrifts blocking the road several times per winter. • Winter winds primarily from N-NW and growing season winds are from the W-NW • Resource Concerns: • Wind erosion concerns. • Snow deposition problems on road and farmstead. • Dust problems in the farmstead. Prevailing winter winds direction N See attached E tables. Scale: 150 feet = Scour area = Prevailing erosive wind direction H Equip • Assumptions: • Snow is a factor. Problem drifts = • 30’ design height; 10H = 300’ • <T “L” = 150 feet (based on texture, residue, etc. County road Lawn/yard

11. Design Exercise Map – Wind-related Practices – A possible “solution” Multiple-row “L” windbreak Prevailing winter winds direction Implement pass-throughs N In-field single-row windbreaks See attached E tables. Scale: 150 feet = Scour area = Prevailing erosive wind direction Living snowfence 3-row Farmstead Shelterbelt H • Assumptions: • Snow is a factor. End drifts = • 30’ design height; 10H = 300’ • <T “L” =200 feet (based on texture, residue, etc. • Design interval = 500’ between windbreaks Equip County road Table Lawn/yard END

12. Design Exercise Map – Farmstead wind-related example problem - Winter winds 12-home subdivision County road H • Farmstead Setting: • Confined livestock buildings - fan ventilated • A residential development in progress across road • Wind primarily from south but also N-NW in winter • Resource Concerns: • Air emissions from confined livestock bldgs. • Visual screen for farmstead/housing development • Noise barrier farmstead/road N • Legend • Ephemeral gully • Perennial stream • Scour area • Drainage area = __ ac. • 10-yr/24-hr frequency = _____ cfs • Vegetative retardance = _____ • V1 = ___ ft/s • VI = ___ ft for sheet-rill erosion • VI = ___ ft for gully erosion • Scale: 150 feet = • Contour interval = 10 feet Prevailing winds Table

13. Design Exercise Map – Farmstead wind-related example problem 12-home subdivision Winter winds County road H • How would you start? • Air emissions from confined livestock bldgs. • Visual screen for farmstead/housing development • Noise barrier farmstead & road N • Legend • Ephemeral gully • Perennial stream • Scour area • Drainage area = __ ac. • 10-yr/24-hr frequency = _____ cfs • Vegetative retardance = _____ • V1 = ___ ft/s • VI = ___ ft for sheet-rill erosion • VI = ___ ft for gully erosion • Scale: 150 feet = • Contour interval = 10 feet Prevailing winds Table

14. Design Exercise Map – Farmstead Wind-related Example – possible “solution” 12-home subdivision Winter winds 100’ County road 50’ H 80’ 50’ 80’ N • Legend • Ephemeral gully • Perennial stream • Scour area • Drainage area = __ ac. • 10-yr/24-hr frequency = _____ cfs • Vegetative retardance = _____ • V1 = ___ ft/s • VI = ___ ft for sheet-rill erosion • VI = ___ ft for gully erosion • Scale: 150 feet = • Contour interval = 10 feet Prevailing winds Table END

15. Windbreak Design Example • How would you place a windbreak for • Winter wind and snow protection? • Winter wind protection only? • What are the width, length, and density considerations? • How can the basic windbreak to enhanced for wildlife? Table

16. Windbreak Design Example Wind & Snow Protection Table

17. Windbreak Design Example Wind & Snow Protection Table

18. Windbreak Design Example Table

19. Windbreak Design Example Wind Protection Only Table

20. Windbreak Design Example Wind Protection Only Table

21. Windbreak Design Example Table

22. Windbreak Design Example Wildlife Enhancement Table END

23. More Windbreak Information USDA National Agroforestry Center USDA Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service East Campus - UNL Lincoln, NE 68583-0822 www.unl.edu/nac Table

24. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Omaha, NE Airport May Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to damaging winds during the critical periods; Identification of damaging winds is a critical first step. Data from local weather stations, climate data bases and landowner observations are all information sources. Account for changes in wind direction during different critical periods. Table

25. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency • Element: Orientation (location / layout) • Perpendicular to damaging winds during the critical periods; • Identification of damaging winds is a critical first step. Data from local weather stations, climate data bases and landowner observations are all information sources. Account for changes in wind direction during different critical periods. For example: • Wind erosive winds - West • Crop drying winds - South Table

26. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to damaging winds during the critical periods; Identification of damaging winds is a critical first step. Data from local weather stations, climate data bases and landowner observations are all information sources. Account for changes in wind direction during different critical periods. For example: Wind erosive winds - West Crop drying winds - South Table

27. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to damaging winds during the critical periods; Identification of damaging winds is a critical first step. Data from local weather stations, climate data bases and landowner observations are all information sources. Account for changes in wind direction during different critical periods. For example: Wind erosive winds - West Crop drying winds - South Troublesome Winds Table

28. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to damaging winds during the critical periods; On sloping land, locating the windbreaks close to the contour is an additional consideration. Windbreaks located in this way can provide both wind protection and can function similarly to a contour buffer strip. Table

29. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; Species selection must be based on the soil and climate conditions of the site. Choose species foliage and branching characteristics that will achieve the desired protection during the critical periods. Table

30. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Group 1 – Moist Group 2 – Wet Group 3 – Loamy Upland Group 4 – Clayey Group 5 – Sandy Loam Group 6 – Moderately Deep Group 7 – Sands Group 8 – Calcareous Group 9 – Saline/Sodic Group 10 – Unsuitable for trees/shrubs Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; Conservation Tree and Shrub Groups (CTSG’s) can be used to select trees or shrubs. A CTSG is a physiographic area having similar climatic and soil characteristics that influence tree and shrub selection and height growth. Table

31. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency • Element: Species, Height, & Density • Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; • Key soil characteristics that separate the different CTSG’s include: soil depth, available water capacity, CaCO3 equivalent, pH, • electrical conductivity, depth to growing season water table, and saturated hydraulic conductivity. Table

32. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; H = Height of windbreak H The height determines the distance of the sheltered zone. For example, select the tallest trees suited to the site for large fields and fewest windbreaks. 10H to 15H 10H to 15H Table

33. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; The height determines the distance of the sheltered zone. For example, select the tallest trees suited to the site for large fields and fewest windbreaks. 10H to 15H 10H to 15H Table

34. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; Choose species foliage and branching characteristics that will achieve the desired density during the critical protection periods. The height determines the distance of the sheltered zone. For example, select the tallest trees suited to the site for large fields and fewest windbreaks. Spacing of the plants will determine the eventual density of the windbreak. Table

35. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Species, Height, & Density Optimal branching/foliage density during growing season; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 40-60% density; Choose species foliage and branching characteristics that will achieve the desired density during the critical protection periods. The width of the planting and the spacing of the individual plants will determine the eventual density of the windbreak. Table

36. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Width and Length One to three rows wide; At least 10 times the windbreak height; To reduce the amount of land occupied by windbreaks, use the narrowest windbreaks that will achieve and maintain the target density. For full protection, the windbreak needs to extend the full length of the field needing protection. Table

37. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Operation, Maintenance & Management Replace dead trees or shrubs for the first 3 to 5 years; Control damaging agents; Maintain design density through corrective pruning, thinning and/or supplemental planting; In order to achieve and maintain a continuous windbreak, dead plants should be replaced for the first five years. As the windbreak matures, the density will change. Sometimes the windbreak will become too dense and corrective pruning or thinning is needed. OR, density is lost and supplemental planting is needed. Table

38. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Operation, Maintenance & Management Control damaging agents e.g. deer, rabbits, insects, disease, etc. In order to achieve and maintain a continuous windbreak, damage to the plants from animals, insects, and disease needs to be monitored. Corrective action needs to be taken if the damage becomes severe. Table

39. Purpose:Protect soils and plants, enhance the microenvironment & improve irrigation efficiency Element: Limitations Protection to the field and plants is limited for first 10 years; windbreak species may compete with adjoining plants being protected; Until the windbreak achieves adequate height and density, supplemental erosion protection may be needed such as conservation tillage. As the windbreak matures, competition with adjoining crops may occur. This can be minimized by choosing low competitive trees/shrubs or root pruning. Table

40. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to troublesome winds; For snow protection, the windbreak should setback 100 to 200 feet from area being protected; For wind protection only, place windbreak 2H to 5H from area to be protected; Table

41. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Element: Orientation (location / layout) Perpendicular to troublesome winds; For snow protection, the windbreak should setback 100 to 200 feet from area being protected; For wind protection only, place windbreak 2H to 5H from area to be protected; Table

42. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Element: Orientation (location / layout) Windbreaks located near unmarked road intersections should obstruct the visibility of cars approaching the intersection. General rule is that it takes 2 seconds for perception and reaction and 1 second to actuate braking. Table

43. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Element: Orientation (location / layout) Windbreaks need to be continuous to provide optimal protection. Avoid gaps in the windbreak if possible. Table

44. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Conservation Tree and Shrub Groups: Group 1 – Moist Group 2 – Wet Group 3 – Loamy Upland Group 4 – Clayey Group 5 – Sandy Loam Group 6 – Moderately Deep Group 7 – Sands Group 8 – Calcareous Group 9 – Saline/Sodic Group 10 – Unsuitable for trees/shrubs Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; The plants need to be adapted to the site (hardiness, precipitation, soils, etc.). Conservation Tree and Shrub Groups (CTSG’s) can be used to select trees or shrubs. A CTSG is a physiographic area having similar climatic and soil characteristics that influence tree and shrub selection and height growth. Table

45. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Table 2 Trees Suitable for Establishment Appendix 1 – WV 380 Table

46. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Typical Planting Designs with Highest Protection: 4 rows: Dense shrub Medium evergreen Tall evergreen Medium evergreen 3 rows: Dense shrub Tall evergreen Medium evergreen 2 rows: Medium evergreen Tall evergreen 1 row: Tall evergreen Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; The plants need to be adapted to the site (hardiness, precipitation, soils, etc.) Table

47. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Typical Planting Designs with Highest Protection: 4 rows: Redosier dogwood Eastern red cedar White pine White spruce 3 rows: Sargent’s crabapple Norway spruce Eastern red cedar 2 rows: Northern white cedar Red spruce 1 row: Norway spruce Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; The plants need to be adapted to the site (hardiness, precipitation, soils, etc.) Table

48. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Typical Planting Designs with Lowest Protection: 4 rows: Dense shrub Medium deciduous Tall deciduous Medium deciduous 3 rows: Dense shrub Medium deciduous Medium evergreen 2 rows: Dense shrub Medium deciduous 1 row: Medium deciduous Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; The plants need to be adapted to the site (hardiness, precipitation, soils, etc.) Table

49. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Typical Planting Designs with Lowest Protection: 4 rows: Nannyberry Sargent’s crabapple Hybrid poplar Bur oak 3 rows: Redosier dogwood American holly Eastern red cedar 2 rows: Highbush cranberry Hackberry 1 row: Green ash Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; The plants need to be adapted to the site (hardiness, precipitation, soils, etc.) Table

50. Purpose:Provide shelter for structures, livestock, and recreation areas Element: Species, Height, & Density Select a mix of deciduous and conifer species; favor conifers for winter protection; Match height to achieve desired protected area; 60-80% density; Table