“Busting the Myths on Windbreaks” was a program facilitated by Mark Funk, forestry specialist with the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) on Aug. 27. Approximately 35 people took advantage of the presentation on the farm of Steve and Sandra Eastep at Wellington Rd. 7 just north of Elora.
From conventional farming methods (including taking out fencerows to increase acreage and make way for larger machinery) rise arguments that intentionally-planted windbreaks: use up valuable land; affect crop yield; get in the way of farm machinery; clog drainage tile; and are expensive.
With graphs, charts, and personal knowledge Funk explained that although a well placed windbreak might take up some land the increased crop yield from the protection they provide makes up for the loss on an on-going basis.
Funk says experience has taught that a single row, low porosity break is sufficient, rather than using a traditional three-row windbreak. This allows the majority of the wind to go up and over but still lets some go through (and prevents large snow buildups on the leeward side of the trees). Spruce and Cedar grow relatively narrow and provide the best porosity.
Spacing between the rows is calculated based on machinery used, but again the increased yield outweighs the few minutes lost in turning and travel. Willows and Poplar are two of the worst offenders to drains, but these trees are not normally used in windbreaks which should stay at least 15 metres away from drainage tile.
Wellington County has grants available under the Rural Water Quality program that make up to 80 per cent of tree planting costs refundable.
Following a barbecue supper and the slide presentation the group toured the cedar windbreaks.
Steve Eastep described that in 1993 he had cultivated the area and seeded with creeping red fescue. In 1994 he planted six-inch seedlings. His land is Listowel sweet loam and 10-years prior he had clay tiled his farm in the herringbone style 40 feet apart. He has never had a problem with tree roots in the tile.
Eastep credited his children who during their young lives constantly mowed the one kilometre row of trees at least three widths on each side. He credits this maintenance plus adequate rainfall the first year for the success of his plantings.
Testimonials and further advice were also given by Liz Samis, Bruce Whale, and Reg Samis on how windbreaks, shelterbelts and block planting had worked for them in Mapleton.
A wagon tour along the cedar windbreak was helpful in showing firsthand the actual length of the row, and coming out on the next concession the group was able to compare to the Spruce break on the other side of the field where further discussion took place.
The practice of trimming branches was questioned and although this is appropriate for limbs reaching too far out towards machinery, care must be taken in not removing too many bottom branches as this could create a wind tunnel effect.
Eastep stated the only real maintenance he has with the row (besides the mowing for appearance sake) is the constant removal of the wild cucumber vine.
The retention of heat units created by a windbreak in a field was compared to the fuel savings created by shelterbelts around farm buildings.
Farmers with more than 20 years of experience managing windbreaks were on hand to answer questions and talk about their experiences.
The hosts for the event, the Eastep family, have been widely recognized for their environmental stewardship over the years.
Funding for the workshop was provided by Trees for Mapleton, Trees for Woolwich, Trees for Minto and the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
Submitted by Willa Wick
