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Windbreaks reduce winter heating billsWhile thought of as a summer energy saver, windbreaks can reduce winter fuel consumption by 10 to 25 percent, said a University of Missouri Extension horticulturist. "Windbreaks can reduce wind velocities and deflect wind away from buildings," said Chris Starbuck. Since prevailing winter winds in Missouri are from the north and northwest, plant your protective windbreaks to the north and northwest of your home. The most effective windbreaks are planted in U or L shapes. Where space is available, plant windbreaks to extend about 50 feet beyond each corner of the area you are trying to protect. The most effective area of a windbreak is at a distance from four to six times the height of the trees. Windbreaks reduce air movement around the home, slowing heat loss from building walls. The most effective windbreaks can reduce wind velocity as much as 50 percent. Several rows are more effective than a single row of trees. When there is room for only one row of trees, pines are the most satisfactory for Missouri's climate. Plants also reduce heat losses from the home by creating dead air space along walls. A foundation planting of evergreens reduces movement close to the house, creating a layer of still air. For summer shade, plant to the south and southwest of the house. The best trees for summer shade that also produce minimum shade in the winter are those with spreading branches and few fine twigs. Examples of large trees with open branching structure are ginkgo, Kentucky coffee tree, and white or green ash. Select some trees large enough to throw shade on the roof of the house on a midsummer afternoon. Plant large trees at least 20 feet from the house. Small flowering trees such as redbud may be placed closer than 15 feet to provide some shade to the side of the building. For more information on windbreaks, see MU Extension guide G6910, "Landscape Plantings for Energy Savings," available for purchase or free download at http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G6910.
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