Is renovation needed?

Renovation techniques

Virtual Windbreak

For more information

Supplemental planting

Supplemental planting is the addition of one or more rows to an existing windbreak.  This technique is often used where an older windbreak is in decline, but continued protection is desired.  New trees can establish for several years before the older trees are removed.  Another common use for supplemental planting is when a farmstead shelterbelt does not provide enough protection in the winter, and increased density is desired.  New rows are often added to the outside of the existing windbreak (Figure 3-2), or to the inside of a multi-row windbreak, where one or more rows have been removed (Figure 3-3). 

Figure 3-2. New rows planted to the outside of an existing windbreak.  The new trees and shrubs were planted as the older trees are starting to fail, but have not completely died, thus providing continuous protection.  Photo by Joe Zeleznik, near Horace, N.D.

Figure 3-3. New rows planted on the inside of an existing windbreak.  The new trees were planted before the older trees have completely died, thus providing continuous protection.  Photo by Joe Zeleznik, near Thompson, N.D.