click here for a great web page for windbreak design by the USDA

Cost Share Programs for Windbreaks:

Conservation Reserve Program Continuous Sign-up (CRP)- Environmentally desirable land devoted to certain conservation practices may be enrolled in CRP at any time under continuous sign-up. For more information contact Farm Service Agency 719-541-2261 ext 2.

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)- is a voluntary conservation program that provides technical, financial, education assistance to farmers and ranchers that addresses natural resource concerns while implementing a variety of conservation practices.  Contact Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) at 719-541-2358 ext. 3 for more information. 

Conservation District Matching Grant Cost-Share Program- ( This grant is not available each year) To be eligible, land must be located within the conservation district boundaries.  The grant provides up to 50% cost-share assistance to landowners to install windbreaks, shelter breaks and/or living show fences.  Projects may not be started until applications are approved.  Applications will be considered on a conservation ranking system.  Contact Double El CD Office at 719-541-2359 ext. 101 for more information.

Windbreaks are planted to protect soil, crops, livestock, and homes or other farm buildings from high winds. 

Windbreaks provide many environmental benefits such as conserving energy, reducing flood damage, conserving and stabilizing soil, increasing property values, trapping winter moisture, and replenishing water tables.  In winter they control snow drifting, reduce cold winter winds and protect livestock.  In summer, windbreaks protect gardens, and other field crops from drying winds as well as reduce soil erosion.  Windbreaks also provide cover for wildlife.

Properly designed windbreaks can cut energy costs as much as 20 to 40 percent.  Properly placed windbreaks can reduce or eliminate snow drifts on roadway, driveway and around buildings, etc.  Most windbreaks are at least two rows or no more than 7 rows. 

To give the best protection windbreaks must be dense enough to reduce wind velocity.  They must be located far enough from farm buildings, paths, and driveways to allow snow drifting where it will be beneficial instead of a nuisance.  Every windbreak should include one or more rows of evergreens for winter protection and at least one row of tall hardwoods for maximum summer protection.  It is particularly important to have low growing shrubs on the windward side to prevent wind from sweeping under the windbreak, drying the ground in summer and carrying snow into the farm yard in winter. 

Maintenance:  Replacements should be made as soon as possible with the same species.  This is particularly important the first few years.  A good windbreak is one having uniform density and height throughout. 

There are designs for windbreaks that can be planned for you by the staff at the conservation districts or the  NRCS.  Call to schedule an appointment to get your custom design that will be developed using the factors of your land that affect your windbreak design.