TEMPER THE WIND with a LIVING WINDBREAK
By Doreen McMurray
Protecting your property, crops, or animals from Southern Idaho’s winds is a major concern. Providing protection from winds can increase property value and increase productivity. Windbreaks are a natural way to “TEMPER” Idaho’s wind.
A living windbreak is one or more rows of trees and/or shrubs used to block and redirect the wind. When the wind hits a windbreak, the wind is “lifted” up and over, creating a protected area on the other side where wind speeds are drastically reduced.
A windbreak must be located properly in order for it to do the right job for you. Planting a windbreak in the wrong position can cause problems in years to come. Carefully plan the location and distance between the windbreak and the road, yard, or feedlot you want to be protected. Take into consideration the direction of prevailing winds. The windbreak should be at least 100 yards away, depending upon your situation.
Other important concerns include: ground preparation, irrigation, how many rows of trees and/or shrubs to plant, the varieties you need, and providing protection for the young seedling trees from livestock during the first few years. With good conditions, you should produce noticeable protection within 4-5 years. (7-12 years on dry-land).
Planting seedling trees and shrubs is an economical way to put in a windbreak. Seedling trees are available from the Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Burley and Rupert. One of the soil districts’ main goals is to improve conservation in Cassia and Minidoka Counties. This Annual Seedling Tree sale is offered as a service to the community to help improve and conserve our natural resources.
The seedlings come in bundles of 5 trees per bundle for a cost of $25 plus tax. Begin your planning now and get your trees ordered as soon as possible. The seedlings will arrive in late April.
Order forms, seedling descriptions, detailed photos, windbreak information, and planting instructions are all available on our website at www.minicassiaswcd.com.
*The above article and a few Photos are attached…
Doreen McMurray
208-312-5556
Information and Education Specialist
East & West Cassia Soil and Water Conservation Districts
Check out our website: www.minicassiaswcd.com
Bare-root
