Why do you want a windbreak?
Generally, the primary reason for rural landowners is to protect themselves from wind. By planting a windbreak, you create your own "wind shadow" on the downward side.
Here is a diagram showing the windbreak area of protection:
Note the 100 feet of windbreak that extends beyond the house and barn. This is necessary to reduce the effect of "wind eddies."
This protected area extends to a distance of 15 to 20 times the height of the windbreaks tallest trees; the most effective area is about 10 times the height of the windbreak as illustrated in the diagram below.
