Shelterbelts and Windbreaks.
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This hedge of Lilacs will help moderate the wind and give a level of privacy.
In many parts of the country some form of protection is needed against winter winds and heavy snow.
Choice of the right trees for a windbreak is essential because of the differing soil types in an area.
Trees moderate wind on the ground to 20 times their height. So a 12 foot Lilac will moderate the force of the wind, 240 feet deep into the lot.
A shelterbelt consists of several rows of trees and shrubs, each row having a greater or lesser wind moderating influence than the next, so that in a soil that's hard to root in, trees are not uprooted.
My favorite shelterbelt is a Lilac walk containing rows of Lilacs, Hardy Roses, tough perennials, Crab Apple trees, Blueberry Bushes and more. The walkway itself is a twelve foot wide mowing strip. On one side of the mowing strip is a line of Lilacs and other deciduous plants. On the other side is a line of evergreens. The Lilacs grow rapidly providing an immediate affect with their upright stems in winter for both windbreak and privacy. The evergreen strip grows more slowly. The Lilac walk becomes a wonderful addition to the garden with Lilacs, Flowering trees, Roses and perennials blooming at different times to insure that something is always in bloom.
In cold climates where your local Department of Public Works uses salt to melt ice on the road its a good idea to place the Lilacs and roses nearer the road. Put the evergreens farther away so the salt wont harm them. But its wonderful if you can place the evergreen strip near the road and have the deciduous strip nearer the house.
andyvancleve 2/11/07