Wind Breaks

            It’s a breezy one today! But you can cut down on the force of that wind by strategically placing a line of trees where it howls the most. Of course this is planning for the future, both because of size availability and, who wants to go and dig in this weather.

            Most heavy winds come from the west and north-west direction. Where I live I have a little town that blocks out most of it, and, we’re on the backside of the hill Forest Grove sets on. By the time the tree-snapping gale reaches me from this direction it has slowed down considerably; I feel it from the south and east.

            If I wish to shield myself from the winds in these directions I have a number of options.

           Evergreens will give year-round protection and can be Spruce, Hemlock, White Pine, or Fir trees. They get tall, but also wide; you can chew up 15 feet of your yard, or 30 feet if you decide not to be a jerk and stay 15 feet away from the property line.

           Arborvitaes can almost give the same relief from the wind without taking away so much of your yard.  

 

            Thujas Arborvitaes grow to 20 to 23 feet with about a ten foot spread. They should be planted 8 feet apart for maximum density.

            The Emerald Arborvitaes grow to 12 to 15 feet with a 5 foot spread, and should be planted 4 feet apart. The Emerald is a denser tree than the Thujas and does a better job as a wind block if you have a ranch style house, but the Thujas does break up the wind higher up if that is your need.

            Hats will be flying today, and umbrella stock will be going up tomorrow, but this wind will help dry out the sogginess around us.

If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me at NiemeyerLandscaping@Gmail.com or post a comment on this Blog. And like us on Facebook at Niemeyer Landscaping. For more Landscape and garden info and pictures on the subject check us out at www.NiemeyerLandscaping.com