Need a break from all this wind?

Flathead County has seen a number of powerful windstorms this year. Blustery days bring to mind the value of a tried and true conservation practice: installation of windbreaks and shelterbelts to reduce wind speed.

Windbreaks and shelterbelts are living barriers oriented perpendicular to prevailing winds, usually consisting of trees, shrubs, or a combination. The extent of the sheltered area inside the windbreak depends on the height and density of the barrier, with the greatest wind reduction occurring between two to five times the height of the windbreak downwind.

Established windbreaks provide a number of benefits:

• Reduce home heating costs by 10-25%!
• Protect livestock leading to improved animal health and increase feed efficiency, weight gain, newborn survival, and profits!
• Increase crop yields by 5-20% and increase crop quality!
• Reduce wind erosion!
• Reduce pesticide drift and filter dust and other air pollutants!
• Provide wildlife habitat!
• Store carbon!
• Reduce noise!

Interested in installing a windbreak on your property? The Flathead Conservation District offers landowner assistance programs that can help. For more information, browse our website, stop by the office, or give us a call!