Windbreaks in a Desert Garden

Posted by Robert Dailey May 23, 2007

When the spring winds come bowling across the arid plains, many desert gardeners use windbreaks to lessen the desiccating and damaging effects of the wind.

Prevailing winds give the gardener a great opportunity to make decisions on where to place windbreaks.

What is a windbreak?

A windbreak is a barrier used to reduce or redirect wind. It could be trees, shrubs, fences, tall crops, grasses and even your house.

How does it work?

Here is how a windbreak works. As wind blows against a windbreak, air pressure builds up on the windward side (the side facing the oncoming wind). This buildup in air pressure causes large amounts of air to move up and over the top of the windbreak, or around the sides of it.

Structure, height, density, number of rows, the types of plants you use, the length of the windbreak, and how it is oriented in relationship to the plants you want to protect determine how well a windbreak works in reducing wind speed and changing the microclimate.

Wind damage and heat loss from the plants in your garden are reduced dramatically on the leeward side (the side facing away from the wind) of windbreaks.

Most of the benefit from windbreaks is actually indirect, because by changing the microclimate, other less-hardy plants can be used.

With careful planning and proper materials, anyone can build a windbreak, slowing and reducing the amount of wind blowing over your beautiful garden.

A quick visit to your Cooperative Extension Service or Master Gardeners’ office should help you as well.