Windbreaks beneficial for more than plants

Strong winds play havoc on people — drying out their skin, blowing dust in their eyes and messing up their hair.The same could be said for plants — increasing transpiration, and knocking flowers, fruit and foliage about. One way to help reduce this impact is to create a windbreak.

The job of a windbreak is not to stop the wind, but rather to slow it down and reduce its strength. When the wind hits a solid barrier such as a brick wall, it drives the air up and over — creating an eddy on the other side — a windbreak must therefore be semi-permeable to filter the air.

Living windbreaks can take on many forms and should be in scale with the landscape — poplars along a farm fence line, or a mixed border in an urban garden. By planting layers of shrubs and small trees along your boundary, you will gain many advantages aside from shelter and a diverse selection of leaf colour, textures, fruit and flowers. There will be less wind chill factor in your garden, glasshouse and home, saving heating costs and creating a warmer environment for more delicate plants.

Wind is very drying, and a wind break will mean that transpiration is reduced in your plants, and less water is lost through evaporation from the soil.

Other benefits include a reduction in unwanted sounds, smells and sights; a habitat for birds and insects; and if you live by the sea, a decrease in salt spray. You’ll also potentially have much neater hair!

- Robyn Abernethy: Rock, water and alpine collection curator