Windbreaks protect a home from wind and provide shade, both of which can help conserve energy. Wind might not seem like an energy zapper. However, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind chill, the temperature it feels like outside when it’s windy (versus the actual temperature), makes it feel colder. The wind evaporates moisture from the skin, pulling heat away from the body. Stopping or even slowing wind prevents energy loss from the human body. Windbreaks also reduce heat loss from a home because warmer people with warmer homes use less energy to heat their houses. Take a look at a few attractive ways to create a windbreak around your home.
Tall Hedges
Hedges and bushes create attractive, natural windbreaks. Like trees, choose varieties with crowns that are lower to the ground. Stopping the wind near the ground offers more protection for people than halting it higher in the air. A mix of shrubs and bushes can create a multi-layered windbreak for extra protection. When choosing the plants, consider the maintenance needed to keep them looking attractive. Some hedges require regular trimming, while others are nearly maintenance-free.
For instance, boxwood or holly can be great low-maintenance choices, but they might need occasional shaping to stay neat. If you’re in a windy region, layering different heights of shrubs—say, shorter ones in front and taller ones behind—can break the wind’s force more effectively. Just make sure the soil and climate in your area suit the plants you pick, or you’ll end up with more hassle than protection.
Privacy Screen
Some plots might not have space to plant trees 12 to 30 feet away from the house. In these cases, privacy screens can create a windbreak, plus block the sun and views of the home. Privacy screens often are installed near patios and porches to protect entrances and gathering spaces.
These screens come in materials like wood, vinyl, or even metal, and you can customize them to match your home’s style. For smaller yards, a freestanding screen with a decorative lattice top might do the trick. If you’re after a quick fix, portable screens can be moved around as needed—handy if you’re renting or just testing out placements.
Fencing
A solid fence cuts down on the wind and prying eyes. Installing a fence can get expensive, however. If the wind often comes from one or two directions, it can make sense to erect a windbreak fence only on those sides of the house. Of course, a fence that surrounds the entire yard can act as a windbreak, privacy screen, and extra home security.
Wood or vinyl fences work well, but consider slatted designs if you want some airflow to avoid wind pressure buildup. In coastal areas, where wind carries salt, go for materials like treated wood or composite that resist corrosion. A quick tip: check local zoning laws before building, as some areas have height or placement restrictions.
A Line of Trees
The right kinds of trees create efficient windbreaks, since trees (and other types of windbreaks) can reduce the wind speed up to a distance of 30 times the windbreak’s height. The Department of Energy recommends planting trees a distance from the home measuring at least two to five times the mature height of the trees. It’s important and more efficient to block the wind close to the ground, so look for trees with low crowns like dense evergreens and combine trees with another windbreak like a fence or bushes. If you enjoy some passive solar heat from winter sun, plant trees that drop their leaves in fall closer to the home, especially on the south side.
Evergreens like spruce or cedar are solid picks for year-round protection, but they grow slowly, so patience is key. Mixing in faster-growing deciduous trees, like maples, can give you quicker results while the evergreens mature. Just don’t plant too close to your foundation—roots can cause trouble down the line.
Trellises
Trellis panels provide an aesthetically pleasing way to slow the wind. These panels combine the structure of a fence with the natural look of plants. Once the trellis is in place, add climbing plants like morning glory, Nasturtium, or black-eyed Susan to fill the trellis. A trellis windbreak isn’t an instantaneous solution, but it creates a beautiful way to slow the wind and add privacy at the same time.
Climbing vines not only look great but also attract pollinators, which is a bonus if you’ve got a garden nearby. Wooden trellises are classic, but metal ones hold up better in wet climates. Space the panels strategically—say, near a seating area—to create cozy, wind-sheltered spots without blocking all the breeze.
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.
Windbreaks are just one piece of a well-kept yard. Investing in quality pruning shears, a sturdy shovel, and a reliable hose can make maintaining your hedges, trees, or trellis plants much easier. Soil testing kits are another smart buy to ensure your plants have the nutrients they need to grow strong and withstand windy conditions.