Shelter belts include planting trees to act as a wind barrier, which can:
reduce wind erosion of the soil
increase pasture growth by up to 60 % on exposed sites
increase crop yields by up to 25 %
increase stock weight gain by up to 34 %
increase milk production
Shelter belt Layout
Shelterbelts will reduce the wind speed by 50 % on
the leeward side over a distance equivalent to eight times the height
of the shelterbelt on flat terrain. Shelterbelts should be placed at
intervals of 6-10 times the height of each belt for maximum effect.
Plant at 4m intervals for farm shelterbelts.
Plant at 2-3 m intervals for horticulture shelterbelts.
Shelterbelts should be at 90 degreesto the prevailing wind.
Woodlots on suitable sites are more productive.
Bare stemmed species such as Eucalyptus can be supplemented with a second row of shrub species.
Planting along roadsides, streams or fence lines reduces pasture loss as a result of shading.
When planting trees for shelterbelts on hilly terrain consider:
Planting smaller species on the lee slope.
Taller shelter should be concentrated on the more productive areas.
Locate shelterbelts near ridge crests where wind speeds are high but not on the crest to maintain landscape features.
Locate shelterbelts in saddles.
Scatter groups of trees in open areas to reduce exposure.
