By: Patrick Troyer, Paulding SWCD
With the occurrence of less fence rows and wooded areas along with tillage, farms across Ohio are losing more and more soil each year due to erosion. As many of us might know, it takes over 500 years to build just one inch of topsoil through the process of weathering. One way that this erosion can be prevented is with the installation of a windbreak. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), this conservation practices provides many benefits to the soil, water, plants, and animals especially by slowing the speed of the wind which reduces wind erosion by placing the planting around the perimeter of a property to act as a barrier.
Windbreaks help to prevent wind erosion causing any losses to soil productivity along waterways and airways from filling up with loose sediment causing pollution or road obstructions. The aesthetic aspect cannot be ignored as well as windbreaks greatly help to add to the beauty of the landscape by providing beauty in both the fall and the winter. ODNR notes a yield benefit that windbreaks provide that outweighs the negative aspects of taking land out of production. Wildlife are attracted to the species that are provided with a windbreak as it provides nesting sites, food, and shelter for a variety of songbirds and other species.
As many of you know, northwest Ohio for the most part is very flat and experiences a sizeable quantity of wind a majority of the time. In northwest Ohio, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources facilitates the Northwest Ohio Windbreak program which they describe as “a turkey tree planting program-from design to planting- for farmers in the flattest, windiest portion of the state”. This program began in 1977 as an inter-agency with the goal to reduce soil erosion, protect crops from wind damage, and enhance habitat for wildlife. Agencies part of this partnership include ODNR Division of Forestry, County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Pheasants Forever. According to ODNR, since the inception of this program, more than 1,500 windbreaks have been installed covering more than 7.1 million row feet or 1,350 row miles.
To qualify for this program, the windbreak must be planted in or adjacent to land that is in agricultural production. Fields must be at least ten acres in size and one to six rows of trees and shrubs may be planted in the windbreak with a minimum total length of 1,000 row feet. Landowners in Paulding County along with the surrounding counties of Defiance, Putnam, and Van Wert are eligible for this program. To apply, a Northwest Ohio Field Windbreak Program order form must be filled out following inspection of the site and site preparation. Contact Paulding SWCD and we can help you through the process.
ODNR has developed a “Five-Star Windbreak Plan” to help aid in the success of a windbreak installation. First, it is important to plant multiple rows in order to increase your benefits as trees grow better when they are protected by another row. Planting trees that are accustomed to your specific soil types along with a mixture is very important as well as selecting the right species can ensure that they will be more vibrant and live linger. A mixture of species provides protection against pest and disease. Flowering shrubs/nut trees should also be included as part of your selection process as these species will provide berries or nuts that will attract wildlife by providing them with food while shrubs will grow at a rapid rate allowing for quick establishment of your windbreak.
Be sure to include at least one species that will add to color to your fall scene or some colorful twigs for winter, this will be sure to make your windbreak attractive. The last point of the “Five Star Plan” is to provide at least one conifer (evergreen) species which will help to provide some winter color, shelter for songbirds, and add some density to your windbreak. Following these five points will help to ensure the success of your windbreak and the protection of our valuable soil resources.
Does this sound like something you or someone you know may be interested in? Contact us today and see how we can help you enjoy the many benefits that come along with installing a windbreak. Every little bit helps our environment in the long run!
