How to Plant Windscreens

Evergreen trees are effective windscreens.

Tree or shrub plantings are used to define an area, modify or hide a view, control noise, filter light or block wind. "A row or mass of trees, especially evergreens, helps to block wind, salt spray off of water or roads, and dust from open areas," according to Virginia Tech University. Screening trees planted on the prevailing wind side of the house conserve energy and lower utility bills. A windscreen planted along the roadway helps keep roads clear of snow, reducing the need for salting and snowplowing. Consider several factors when choosing and planting trees or shrubs for a windscreen.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Mulch materials such as compost, shredded bark or dry leaves

Instructions

1. Consult the USDA plant hardiness zone map to determine the first and last frost dates for your area. This helps determine which trees thrive in your growing environment (see Resources).

2. Choose a tree for its size at maturity, its shape and form, its foliage density and the branch arrangement that suits the needs of the windscreen.

3. Plant the trees by digging a root zone for the length of the windscreen area. Aerate the top 12 inches of soil by turning it over with a shovel.

4. Place each tree in the prepared bed with twice the width of the root-ball open around it. Spread the root system out gently and backfill the hole with topsoil. Press firmly to prevent air pockets.

5. Spread a layer of mulch material such as shredded bark, dry leaves or mature compost around the diameter of the tree 1 foot from the trunks.

6. Irrigate each planted tree thoroughly and deeply. Thorough watering makes roots grow deep. Trees grow stronger with a deep root system.

Tips & Warnings

• Trees with ground level branches or weeping branches such as weeping cherry, holly and juniper are effective screens for wind and noise.

• Mature organic compost used as mulch and for yearly feeding contains the 13 nutrients trees need to grow and thrive. Compost tea used as a foliar spray on trees reduces harmful insect infestation and disease.

• Avoid planting deciduous trees that create litter problems with messy fruit or seedpods.

• Sweetgums, crab apples, silver maples and mulberries have weak branches that may snap off in windy conditions.

• Evergreen trees such as Leland cypress and arborvitae produce dense shade, sticky sap and pine cones.

References

• Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension: Trees for Problem Landscape Sites: Screening
• University of Vermont Extension: Compost Tea for Disease Suppression

Resources

• USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• Tree People: How to Plant a Tree