Providing shelter from the wind is an important way to help wild birds survive the winter. Windbreaks give birds a reprieve from harsh winds and cold temperatures, allowing them to conserve energy. Birds also appreciate windbreaks as places to hide from predators. Making a simple windbreak for the birds in your backyard is easy and rewarding.
Why do birds need windbreaks?
Birds are vulnerable to the elements, especially in winter. Wind steals away birds’ body heat, forcing them to expend more energy staying warm. This is especially true for smaller birds, who have a higher surface area relative to their volume. Strong winds also make it difficult for birds to forage for food. Windbreaks create a buffer zone where winds are reduced, temperatures are milder, and birds can take cover.
Conserving Energy
Birds fluff up their feathers for insulation, but cold winds penetrate their layers and chill their skin. This makes their metabolism kick into overdrive to warm them up again. Access to a windbreak allows birds to reduce their heat loss and avoid burning extra calories. Their precious energy can then be used to survive the winter and migrate back home.
Hiding from Predators
Birds feel safest with cover overhead and behind them when they land. A windbreak provides quick escape routes and screening foliage, so birds can duck out of sight from predators. Hawks, cats, and other predators are deterred from open areas around windbreaks, creating a safer zone for small bird species.
Foraging for Food
Wind often blows ground seed and other food sources away from where birds can reach them. It also whips branches and feeders, making them unstable landing spots. Birds burn out faster trying to fight winds while eating. Windbreaks let birds forage more efficiently since the air is calmer in these spots.
What makes a good windbreak for birds?
When deciding how to make a windbreak in your yard, consider the following tips:
Location
Place the windbreak where prevailing winds blow across your yard, on the windward side. Observe where birds already tend to gather in inclement weather. Facing the windbreak southwards will maximize sun exposure and warmth.
Space
Leave enough room for birds to land and take off without obstruction. Avoid cramping the area too closely with plantings. Also consider convenient access to feeders and bird baths in protected spots.
Height
For a single row windbreak, the minimum height should be 6 to 8 feet. The best protection will be 10 to 15 feet high. This causes wind to blow up and over the structure. Taller heights are needed for multi-row windbreaks.
Density
The windbreak should be around 50-60% dense when looking through it. Too solid, and it will create turbulence. Too open, and it loses effectiveness. Aim for a balance that cuts the windspeed by at least 50%.
Shape
A windbreak should be long and continuous, without gaps. Taper the ends semi-circularly rather than leaving blunt edges, to prevent wind from curling around the sides.
Vegetation
Choose plants like evergreens that hold their leaves year-round. Deciduous trees still offer protection even without leaves. Mixing plant heights and types creates a more solid barrier.
Windbreak Designs
Here are some common options for constructing a windbreak in your yard:
Tree and Shrub Rows
A classic windbreak design is a row of conifers like pines or spruces, spaced appropriately apart. Add a parallel row of denser shrubs like holly, viburnum, or juniper. Leave a gap of 2 to 5 feet between rows.
Living Fence
Turn a fence into a windbreak by growing vines or espaliered trees on it. Try grapes, Virginia creeper, climbing roses, etc. This instantly provides protection right up against a boundary.
Berms and Rocks
Stacking up boulders or mounding soil creates a solid barrier. Place sheltered microclimates on the leeward side. You can also terrace berms to block winds at different heights.
Water Feature
A pond or fountain can deter winds, especially when positioned to reflect sunlight and add humidity. The moving water also helps prevent freezing in winter.
Best Plants for Windbreaks
Here are some top options for windbreak vegetation in most regions:
Type | Examples |
---|---|
Evergreen trees | Pine, spruce, fir, juniper, arborvitae, hemlock |
Deciduous trees | Oak, maple, poplar, beech, birch, alder |
Large shrubs | Cedar, holly, spirea, viburnum, privet, oleander |
Vines | Grape, honeysuckle, virginia creeper, climbing rose |
Choose native species when possible. Mix and match different heights, growth rates, and densities for the best wind erosion control.
Caring for Your Windbreak
A well-designed windbreak needs minimal yearly maintenance. Here are some care tips to keep it functioning properly:
Watering
Water plants during dry periods for the first few years until they establish deep roots. Afterward, they typically won’t need supplemental watering except during severe droughts.
Weeding
Keep the area around new plantings clear of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. Add mulch to reduce weed growth. Control any invasive plants that take hold.
Pruning
Remove dead branches as needed. Prune trees as necessary to maintain the desired density and spacing. Don’t overly trim the lower branches.
Fertilizing
Fertilize plantings periodically to encourage strong growth. Take care not to overfertilize, however.
Replacing Plants
If any plants die off, replace them as soon as possible so there are no gaps. This maintains the windbreak’s integrity.
Conclusion
Installing a windbreak in your yard is one of the best ways to give backyard birds a survival boost. With protection from harsh winds and cold, birds can save energy and feel more secure. Choose the right location, height, density, and plant materials for your windbreak. Maintain it with occasional pruning, watering, and replacing dead plants. Soon you’ll have happy birds flocking to your safe haven from the storms of winter.