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UNIVERSITY OF
ILLHNOIS LIBRARY
AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN
NATURAL HIST. SURVEY
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2011 with funding from
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
http://www.archive.org/details/windbreaksforill02davi
BRE nhs
oS WATURAL HISTORY. SURVEY
APR 03 1999
LIBRARY
wmoG gh + Ypoaprunct, roving vo}
Ciredar 35
HLEINOTS
NATURAL HISTORY
SURVEY
In Cooperation With
University of Illinois + College of
Agriculture - Agricultural Experiment
Station and Extension Service in
Agriculture and Home Economics
STATE OF ILLINOIS
William G. Stratton, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION
Vera M. Binks, Director
WINDBREAKS
for Illineis Farmstead
J. E. DAVIS
Printed by Authority of the State of Illinois
NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
Harlow B. Mills, Chief
Circular 38
(Fifth Printing, With Revisions by L. B. Culver)
Urbana February 1954
CONSULTANT IN HERPETOLOGY:
CONSULTANT IN PARASITOLOGY:
STATE OF
ILLINOIS
WILLIAM G. STRATTON, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF REGISTRATION AND EDUCATION
VERA M. Binks, Director
BOARD OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION
VERA M. BINKs, Chairman
A. E. Emerson, Ph.D., Biology
L. H. TirFany, Ph.D., Forestry
WALTER H. NEWHOUSE, Ph. D.,Geology
RoGER ApAMs, Ph.D., D.Sc., Chemistry
Rospert H. ANDERSON, B.S.C.E., Engineering
Lioyvp Morey, B.A., B.Mus., C.P.A., LL.D., President of the University of Illinois
DELYTE W. Morris, Ph.D., President of Southern Illinois University
NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY DIVISION
Urbana, Illinois
SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL STAFF
HARLOW B. MILLS, Ph.D., Chief
BessiE B. East, M.S., Assistant to the Chief
Section of Economic Entomology
GEORGE C. DECKER, Ph.D., Entomologist and
Head
J. H. Biccrer, M.S., Entomologist
L. L. EnGuiisu, Ph.D., Entomologist
S. C. CHANDLER, B.S., Associate Entomologist
Wiis N. Bruce, Ph.D., Associate Entomologist
Norman C. GANNON, Ph.D., Associate Ento-
mologist
Joun M. Wricut, Ph.D., Associate Entomologist
PAUL SuRANYI, Ph.D., Assistant Entomologist
H. B. Petty, M.A., Extension Specialist in
Entomology
STEVENSON Moore, III, Ph.D., Extension
Specialist in Entomology
SuE E. WATKINS, Technical Assistant
Section of Faunistic Surveys and Insect
Identification
H. He Ross: Ph.D., Systematic Entomologist and
Hea
Mitton W. SANDERSON, Ph.D., Associate Tax-
onomist
Lewis J. STANNARD, JR., Ph.D., Assistant Tax-
onomist
Puitie W. SMITH, Ph.D., Assistant Taxonomist
Leonora K. Gioyp, M.S., Laboratory Assistant
VirGIniA A. WHIPPLE, Technical Assistant
Section of Game Research and Management
T. G. Scott, Ph.D., Game Specialist and Head
RatpnH E. YEATTER, Ph.D., Game Specialist
F. C. BELLROSE, B.S., Associate Game Specialist
H. C. Hanson, M.S., Assistant Game Specialist
J. S. JorDAN, Ph.D., Assistant Game Technician
Jor E. Brooks, B.A., Technical Assistant
FRANCES D. ROBBINS, B.A., Technical Assistant
WILLIAM NuEss, Field Assistant
LysLeE R. Pretscn, M.F., Project Leadert
WILLIAM B. ROBERTSON, JR., M.S., Project
Leadert
Technical Library
RutH Warrick, B.S.L.S., Technical Librarian
CATHERINE V. EYLER, A.B., Assistant Technical
Librarian
nois.
Veterinary Research, University of Illinois.
Section of Applied Botany and Plant
Pathology
LEO R. TEHON, Ph.D., Botanist and Head
J. CEpric CARTER, Ph.D., Plant Pathologist
J. L. ForsBERG, Ph.D., Associate Plant Pathologist
G. H. BoEwe, M.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist
R. J. Campana, Ph.D., Assistant Plant Pathol-
ogist
E. B. Himetick, M.S., Assistant Plant Pathologist
B. M. ZucKERMAN, M.S., Assistant Plant Pa-
thologist
RosBert A. Evers, Ph.D., Assistant Botanist
E. A. Curt, Ph.D., Special Research Assistant
RoveniA F. Fitz-GERALD, B.A., Technical
Assistant
Section of Aquatic Biology
GEORGE W. BENNETT, Ph.D., Aquatic Biologist
and Head
WILLIAM C. STARRETT, Ph.D., Associate Aquatic
Biologist
DonaLp F. HANSEN, Ph.D., Assistant Aquatic
Biologist
R. W. Larimore, Ph.D., Assistant Aquatic Bi-
ologist
Rosert D. Crompton, Field Assistant
LEONARD DurRHAM, M.S., Technical Assistant*
P. L. McNen, B.S., Technical Assistant*
Section of Publications and Public Relations
James S. Ayars, B.S., Technical Editor and Head
BLANCHE P. YounG, B.A., Assistant Technical
Editor
WILLIAM E. CLARK, Assistant Technical Photog-
rapher
James W. CurFMAN, B.S., Technical Assistant
Section of Forestry
Witter N. WANDELL, M.F., Foresler and Head
LAWSON B. CuLVER, B.S., Associate in Forestry
Extension
Ross J. Miter, M.S., Field Ecologist
Harriet W. Smitu, M.A., Technical Assistant
Hosart M. SmitH, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Zoology, University of Illi-
Norman D. LeEvingE, Ph.D., Professor of Veterinary Parasitology and of
*Employed by the Illinois Department of Conservation and assigned to the Natural History Survey for
administrative and technical supervision.
+Employed by the Illinois Department of Conservation under terms of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Res-
toration Act and assigned to the Natural History Survey for administrative and technical supervision.
This paper is a contribution from the Section of Forestry.
(84896—5 M—1-54)
EIEIO 2
Ne
CER? VAVTIDC DIR EET See ae eo ee as PaO eo 1
PETEEIRIIIEENV ERIDECRKS.. os bs ee ce Ose D4 dv aoe ee eebw le 1
Ge PELCTDINE!. 5 o 2) Bcd gable ag ea etre leper ee te etre oe Pao a eh a 3
ITIOMRCHCURYVINGDIGAK. 2200. 24.0 Gosek cea fide ee ben tees bee eae Gbauen foe sas 4
TTT NMRETETIIT ES Nie het rps cs Aeicls Sie LK 4 ising mea oe be ee Ok See 4
PSE aCESMUEOM DUNIGINGS.\.. 6.6. 6. sk eines fee pee ee cea Sb ce pe bee whee ebeaouae 10
Mimibensome hows and Spacing. .... ..<0c. ec ec ee hee ee ee wb ne ban ebuues 11
Spemiccmormirees to: WSC. 2 oo. eck oe vle Sew ss ee dew Dee hwaewues oun bo ee 12
SEecHiOnmOleianting) Stock... ee ok cee eee eee we kee ep ema ees _» 13
Ma ETE AEE ENGL «Pee ee EYE ce ee Ac yest oe ace k aavdve, Sanne Res eee DE .. 16
us Pe MMRBMBIRIMEMIE ME SLATEGIN © US's, 2 eco 02 Gt erases oie | edi these ae oe ba 16
REAR RHO MIRCCS TE rihs.. oh ses: bho atte Snead ath ake a Mtn Bhat ROR! tl ee ett 18
PUDITERTRE » oo 5 0 0 odo RTA, ue ar an eto aS Feet en Me. eo
rmrtbremmrindbrenk: 2. he ee ee ee ees asta toe
STCTUGLCORTYE? |... ace: SR ge ea REN NTS os eee: fi 23
RIMM Tre ITV ALION. 6.500)... Sorts u tas Gales sa ee wg E ace nem eee pt mbe 24
BSR COUIIMT ER scsi faxes cs ok ee dish aren were BN ot PN ge os eC, 26
IRE DIATE DP se. fe AS ae es sos cad Saw een Ne Mt 80 J Ee Gr EIN RN 26
menewintmOld Windbreaks: 2.0... oe. cas Se hee Soe ke nee be wlbe beau houses 27
JL TEEDERS DS) UTS e oS es a ey ree or er eee eT ee ee eee 29
femtuenwvandbreak Trees Are Like. ... 2.14. 00600 fos oe cc bec been. 29
PD SECD SSE ESD. Set aaa Sa Se a Be, CO ee | ee! 29
LUDIGRSHIR.. . » 5 Jato pi RMR Oe ee een nes en Pee ee 30
SPITE CRESS INE 11 © CMM REN ei re ren ert ad ee ch cies, Bice civnrasc tnt ober Wo. ok aaa en atle o 30
Colorado (Blue) Spruce................... STN PA he wee yl eed et to OTR 30
ATES) LnONT 05 Ps OTRAS AN ERY otal h oka Su due es SM 31
CMEC NOLS AVE) mEbINGh ors Sil bey eid ns con Micaela den ois sls wie babes eee ee « Se eee S|
Sterne Miter EIN... 25) seen Gt rem tare een er dN CN NS kl 31
SDDEHLGTE LET o 4 Joa taeda s i test Apo ie iano ne eee eT SG, 31
lo) 8 LATED. a yagfe ee gel ae ctaa7 aeree Rn SR og i a Pe er 32
ASTISETSTET LENE oie Sate Om de ree) cy a att cree ES ee ne ee ODE Pe ae SET eg mee 32
ASP CENCE CEO ATE 57 iter ents png, ot ee hi chs ddan Ey arsed pueen eaten coe ios 32
PLES UN TIER) fh eye) es tale, SIS, ohn se ee eal re Re on GE, 32
Photographs for figs. 6 and 7 from Claude Thorp and Son, Wapella; for fig. 22 from
Ray T. Nicholas, Lake County Farm Adviser, Grayslake, Illinois.
*AJUNOD UOSSUIALT UL SI 910Y po}VA4SN]]L Yeaiqpulm sonids AVMION PlO-1v94-F][ OY, “eSnoyUlses & Jo yno owOY
WAIeJ B IYVUl ULI YRIIQPUIM 9Y} 41OJUWIOD SB [JOM SB ‘10[09 pue AzNBeEq JO UOT}NGII7U0D SzI YRIAA °S}O[P90J 94} pue ‘ssuIp[INg
WIJ 9Y} ‘BSNOYWALY 9Yy} UO JIeRe BUI1A}[9YS oY} SI YeeIqpuIM poos & WIJ pdj}dedxo 9q ULI ey} JYIUq 4S0}¥013 BY I,
WINDBREAKS. :.z.pavis:
for Mlinois Farmstoads
WinpbBREAK, as commonly understood in Illinois, is the name
given to a narrow belt of trees planted on one or more sides of
a farmstead to provide protection from the wind.
NEED FOR WINDBREAKS
In Illinois, with only a tenth of the state occupied by forest
growth, which is irregularly distributed, there is a strong need
for evergreen plantings to protect farmsteads from cold north-
west winds that blow in winter. This need is felt particularly
in sections of intensive agriculture, both in originally timbered
sections and on the prairies, where differences in elevation are
not sufficient to break the force of the wind. From 1870 to 1875,
considerable interest in windbreak planting was evidenced in
the northern part of the state, and the early plantings that
were given good care and protection now stand as landmarks,
the better evergreen windbreaks having reached heights of 60
feet and more.
The trees used in early windbreaks were mostly of European
origin, and it was not always easy to obtain good planting stock.
Today, with numerous private tree nurseries in the state produc-
ing comparatively large quantities of trees suited to windbreak
planting, farm people can easily provide themselves with wind
‘protection at reasonable cost.
BENEFITS FROM WINDBREAKS
The greatest benefit that can be expected from a good wind-
break is the sheltering effect on the farmhouse, the farm build-
ings, and the feedlots, fig. 1. A house protected by a windbreak
is more comfortable in winter, and less costly to heat, than one
lacking such protection. Windbreak-protected barns and feed
sheds are warmer in winter and keep more nearly even tempera-
*Formerly Extension Forester, Illinois Natural History Survey and University
of Illinois College of ee ere: cooperating. Revisions in the present edition of
this circular are by L. B. Culver, successor to Mr. Davis.
[1]
2 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
tures, so that livestock can be more easily carried over winter
in good condition. Also, livestock can make more winter use of
protected feedlots. For men working around feedlots and barns,
or for women hanging out clothes, the windbreak provides com-
i]
Fig. 1—Farmstead facing south in southeastern Henry County. Upper:
Protective strips of trees are on the north and west sides. Lower: Feed
shed and feedlots of this farmstead are well protected by a 28-year-old wind-
break of Norway spruce.
parative comfort in the zone of quiet air to the leeward of its
spreading branches. The windbreak also catches snow, and if
properly located it prevents blocking of walks and drives, and
drifting around buildings. Snow in the shade of the trees melts
slowly in the spring, and the moisture is conserved for garden
crops and small fruits planted near the windbreak.
With its contribution of beautiful form and color, as well
as comfort, the windbreak can make a farm home out of a farm-
house. While protecting the farm buildings, the windbreak also
protects near-by flowers, shrubs, and ornamental trees, giving
them a better chance to develop and beautify the home grounds.
The windbreak may well serve as background for conveniently ar-
ranged farm buildings enriched by well-chosen trees and shrubs,
the whole of which makes the farm home attractive.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 3
EXPECTATIONS
Under average conditions the evergreen trees recommended
for windbreaks grow at moderate rates, figs. 2, 3, and 26. Trees
in a Norway spruce windbreak planted near Greenville in Bond
County averaged 18 feet in height in 12 years. Another Norway
spruce windbreak planted in the southeastern corner of Hamilton
County reached a height of 30 feet at 18 years of age; its
branches now form an almost impenetrable barrier to the wind.
In northern Rock Island County another Norway spruce wind-
break at 28 years attained a height of 38 feet, fig. 4. Evergreen
windbreaks planted in northern Illinois 70 years ago now stand
60 to 70 feet high and have been affording good protection for
more than 50 years. Patience and attention to details in caring
for an evergreen windbreak will be well rewarded, for its pro-
tective influence will last several generations.
Fig. 2.—This farmstead in Jo Daviess County enjoys the protection of
a 60-year-old Norway spruce windbreak.
Fr
Fig. 3.—A Norway spruce windbreak in McLean County. Protected from
stock and poultry by a good fence, the trees in this windbreak in 18 years
reached a height of 20 feet.
4 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
Most of the windbreak trees may be expected to increase in
height an average of 1 foot per year throughout their lives. For
the first 20 years some trees may grow as much as 8 feet a year,
variations in growth depending on seasons, soil and moisture
a
ve 4 aS & BLA tink is ooze eS OSs
Fig. 4.—This 28-year-old windbreak of Norway spruce in Rock Island
County stands as a bulwark against winter storms. In summer it serves
as an area for studying birds that find a haven there. The trees, spaced
16 feet apart in and between the three rows, average 38 feet in height.
conditions, and care. On the Grand Prairie, none of the ever-
greens should be expected to make as good height growth or to
maintain as dense foliage as they do in other sections of the state.
In this area, Norway spruce exceeds the pines in height and it
does not flatten out as do the pines. :
Some persons who are not well acquainted with evergreen
trees and their rates of growth would rather plant Chinese elm,
Lombardy poplar, or soft maple to make a showing more quickly.
Although their growth is rapid, these species do not make satis-
factory windbreaks or even good, permanent shade. Because
their wood is weak, they are subject to ice and wind damage.
Lacking foliage during winter months, they fail to furnish pro-
tection when it is most needed.
PLANNING THE WINDBREAK
Locating the Windbreak.—Weather records show that, for
most of Illinois, prevailing winter winds are from northwest-
erly directions, fig. 5; therefore, the windbreak, to give the
best protection, in most cases should be located on the north and
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS
a
FARMSTEADS
ie
| WAUKEGAN >
\
\ | ‘alee
ee ee | ' | \
“¢ DIXON ADRS \
ix ee NG
gee e : ie aL
a ee \ a
| WALNUT Has
acs AP ILA SALLE, IRR ee Aaya
a aie ee
|
ar a __ MINONK oa
|
| PEORIA ae bee _
eral es a |
Talal ~ BLOOMINGTON |
Sel ak —-——-—-—|
Lee ae J =: :
| RUSHVILLE ; | INCoUNMy oneal |
( a Cae aK } o> f
\_ QUINGY | = is | Beal |
agen ee { DECATUR: Lees 2 popes
eae _ = r
A NS oe ee = eee
! | =a \
alt CHARLESTON i reer
ages Ae
es leaped Mees ge asst opie
CARLINVILLE Ib dio
EFFINGHAM
sas apes | | |
u Pon pe 2 ee 1.
Sc: ra ha aE : OLNEY
Fig. 5.—The arrows show the direc-
—-- == —
tion of the average prevailing wind
during winter months of a 10-year
period, 1938-1947, for 27 cities of
Illinois. (From [Illinois weather re-
ite ies “aaa eae )
ports.) % \é ims
ay ‘a
——-1 @ MC LEANSBORO
Ce) XN
on
6 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 88
west sides of the farmstead, figs. 6 and 7. Even in those
localities in which the prevailing wind is southerly, it is not
advisable to place a windbreak south of the farmstead. In such
localities the coldest winds are generally from the north and
Fig. 6.—A Norway spruce windbreak on the prairie in De Witt County
3 years after being planted along the north and west sides of a farmstead.
Because of the size and shape of the farmstead area, 200 trees were re-
quired. The average farmstead requires between 100 and 150 trees.
Fig. 7.—The windbreak shown in fig. 6 at 9 years of age. With the
trees averaging 15 feet in height, the planting is already giving some pro-
tection.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 7
northwest. Also, the prevailing summer winds are southwest,
and it is desirable to have the farmstead exposed on the south
to receive the cooling effects of these winds. In localities where
the prevailing winter wind is south or southwest, it is advisable
to run the north-south line of the windbreak at least 100 feet
farther than usual to the south of the farm buildings.
The most effective and most easily arranged windbreak is
in the form of an L, fig. 8, with the point to the northwest. The
Fig. 8.—An L-shaped windbreak in McHenry County shortly after being
planted in 1938. This arrangement is most effective in protecting farm-
steads from prevailing winds.
legs of the L may be broken to make way for farm lanes, but the
windbreak should not be broken near the point, where north-
west winds may sweep through directly to the buildings.
Figs. 9 and 10 show windbreak plans for farmsteads facing
the cardinal points of the compass. These plans are for typical
farmsteads found in Illinois and are set up only as guides for
the prospective windbreak planter. Because of the unlimited
ways in which farm buildings are arranged, nearly every farm-
stead presents a different problem in the planning of the wind-
break. If the principles recommended in this circular are followed
in planning the windbreak, it should be possible to provide satis-
factory protection for any type of farmstead arrangement.
Farmsteads facing south or east, fig. 9, are the easiest for
which to plan windbreaks. Those facing west or north, fig. 10,
8 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 88
se pe a LSE LS
RE ae ae a Re es He hee Ke 4s Be He
re pe eH AM Bee AF RCM AE AE AHL
eg BAER Bee ge ACHE IE ACRE AE RE
ma |
+, % FEED LOT
eee |||
eA Z |
eel || ae
cee z | 7 Z ;
MG aes |
hp eee ieee 8 ‘
2X yf ———— GOURT | HOGS |
——
BY Ble |
¥e Sie
K 4 SARe ES }
erat op —T ee a ae
Leeed a ( CaaS &
{i Cue: eo eH } POULTRY | OO OSE6
ee Nek ap ieee emia gOoSE8e
f
63 dH :
|
: _ tig Ya
, 1086 oom
Fig 9.—Plan for windbreak on farmsteads facing (above) ‘south; (below) east.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTHADS
”
CPUC ECCS SEC ESS SESS toe es
a ¥ 4
Sei
% yy = HOGS
eM uJ
ree = FEED !
ae q oy S
aa < i CORN F — A)
ewel ltt {| {TIE 4
ee A ie
|
3 iy) Ge
} ni} ~)
C3 eh 02 POULTRY
OC OO
| ee eee.
=)
ree)
— —— st — —
zoel alaelelanere
aE
ol ao each’ aaa
—
FEED LOT
oe
BARN
HOGS
‘ig. 10.—Plan for windbreak on farmsteads facing (above) west; (below) north.
10 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
present more difficult problems because of the necessity for shut-
ting out completely the front outlook of the house, if the best
protection is to be realized. Most Illinois farm homes are built
so close to the road that there is not room enough to plant a solid
windbreak between the front of the house and the road. Usually,
in instances where homes face west or north, it is necessary to
ee
ing out rows in a wind-
break with a simple corner
arrangement. First lay
out the three rows indicat-
ed by A; then lay out the
row of trees marked B,
starting 12 feet from the
last tree of the inner row
A. Line up the remaining
trees as shown.
oe
ag
i Fig. 11.—Method of lay-
IN
BN
=
~ ae ak &
|e ae de oe:
&
m
T
‘z
B
sacrifice part of the efficiency of the windbreak and part of the
view, and make the short leg of the L only a single row of trees
extending whatever distance is desired across the front of the
property.
If a farmstead faces north or west, and it is desired not to
obstruct the view at all from the front of the house, the wind-
break can then take only the form of a single strip running along
the north or west side of the farmstead.
Distances From Buildings.—Effective protection is afforded
by a good windbreak to a distance approximately eight times its
height. Thus, a windbreak 40 feet high should almost completely
check the wind for 320 feet to leeward, and buildings and lots
in this area should have adequate protection. Some influence of
the windbreak may be felt at a distance up to 20 times the height
of the trees, but in Illinois it is best to keep principal buildings
within a 300-foot distance.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS at
To prevent dead-air pockets around buildings in summer,
and to minimize the piling of snow on buildings and walks in
winter, the windbreak should be set not closer than 50 feet from
buildings, and 100 feet is a better distance if room is available.
Where possible, the end of the windbreak should extend at least
50 feet past the line of the last building to be protected.
Number of Rows and Spacing.—For the species of ever-
greens recommended for use, the best type of windbreak con-
sists of three rows of trees, the trees in the middle row being
alternated with those in the two outside rows, fig. 11. The rows
should be at least 14 feet apart and the trees should be spaced
14 feet apart in the rows. At this spacing, with three rows being
used, three trees are required for every 14 feet of windbreak; the
planting rate is one tree per 4.7 feet. At this rate, a 600-foot
windbreak will require 128 trees. An easy way to estimate the
approximate number of trees required is to multiply the wind-
break length in feet by 0.22. As estimated by this method, the
number of trees required for a 600-foot windbreak is 132.
Trees should not be planted close together to form a hedge,
fig. 12, for evergreens need plenty of room and light to develop
dense lower branches, and the lower branches are needed to check
surface winds when the trees start making good height growth.
Fig. 12.—A well-spaced windbreak being planted in DeKalb County.
The trees were trucked from the nursery on the planting day and were out
of the ground only a few hours.
12 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
To avoid difficulties in laying out the corner of the wind-
break, follow the plan shown in fig. 11. First stake out one strip
of the windbreak for its entire length, the three rows indicated
by A. Then lay out the outer row of the second strip, the trees
indicated by B, in line with the trees nearest the letter A in the
outside rows of the first strip. In staking out the first row in the
second strip, begin 12 feet from the nearest tree in the inside
row of the first strip. The middle row of the second strip will
then start 19 feet from the inside row of the first strip.
Species of Trees to Use.—Evergreen trees provide the most
satisfactory windbreak because they hold their foliage during
the winter months when protection is most needed. The spruces
and firs form an almost solid barrier to the wind because of their
dense-branching habit and their tendency, if given plenty of
growing room, to hold heavy foliage on branches close to the
ground, fig. 2, page 3. Of this group the Norway spruce and
the Douglasfir are best adapted to Illinois conditions. Norway
spruce is suited to the northern two-thirds of the state. Douglas-
fir, from the dry Rocky Mountain region, is more drought resist-
ant and is adapted to a wider range of soils.
Pines make more rapid height growth than spruce or fir, but,
because their branching habit is more open and their foliage
thinner, they do not break the wind so effectively. For height in
a windbreak at an early date, pines may be used as a center row
between two outer rows of spruce or fir. Pines should not be used
alone, except on light, sandy soils to which the other trees are
not adapted. Five pines—red (Norway) pine, eastern white pine,
loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and Austrian pine—may be used for
windbreaks. The shortleaf pine is a southern tree, native to lower
Illinois, and should be used only in the southern third of the state.
Loblolly pine, another southern species, may be planted as far
north as East St. Louis, Salem, and Lawrenceville. The other
three pines may be used throughout Illinois.
Another evergreen, the eastern redcedar, is occasionally used
for windbreaks. It has very dense foliage and is pleasing in ap-
pearance, but it is comparatively short and slow growing, and it
harbors the cedar-apple rust. See page 32.
It is advisable to use more than one species of tree in the
windbreak to prevent the severe appearance of straight rows of
trees all of the same form and color, and to make the windbreak
blend into the farmstead landscape scheme. Norway spruce or
Douglasfir or both may be used for the foundation of the wind-
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 13
break, but the solid rows should be broken with small groups of
evergreens having foliage of different texture, color, and form.
Such groups at the ends and in corners are particularly pleasing
in appearance. The windbreak spacing is not changed; the other
varieties simply replace the spruce or fir in the regular spacing.
Some trees that may be used in this way without lessening the
effectiveness of the windbreak are Colorado (blue) spruce, white
spruce, Black Hills spruce, concolor fir, red pine, Austrian pine,
and Scotch pine.
Selection of Planting Stock.—A careful selection of planting
stock contributes much to high survival the first season and
Fig. 13.—Balled-and-burlapped tree of size recommended for windbreak
planting. This tree has a ball of earth large enough to insure its being
handled without disturbance to the root system. Quickest results may be
expected from balled-and-burlapped stock.
favorable growth and development in the following years. Trees
with dense, vigorous foliage and compact systems of fine, fibrous
roots offer better chances for success than do those with spindly
tops, thin or yellowish foliage, and weak root systems. Thrift
and vigor, reflected in the appearance of the foliage, determine
the inherent ability of the tree to withstand the shock of being
transplanted.
“Bargain” trees should be avoided. Usually in such stock
some quality desirable in good trees is lacking. Perhaps the
stock is weak and poorly developed because of crowding in the
14 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
nursery row. It may have been damaged by severe weather that
has seriously lowered the vitality of the trees. Possibly the trees
are too large for safe transplanting, or they may have been grow-
ing too long without the benefit of root-pruning. Spruce or fir
that has grown for more than 4 years without being root-pruned
develops long, spreading roots that must be cut off in digging.
Such loss of roots proportionately reduces the chances for sur-
vival and later growth.
Quickest results and greatest early success may be expected
from balled-and-burlapped stock, fig. 13. Balled-and-burlapped
trees are those that have been dug with a ball of earth on the
roots and this ball wrapped securely in burlap. Trees dug in this
manner never have the roots exposed to the air, and, if they are
carefully handled, the soil does not become loosened from the fine
feeding roots. In this class of stock, trees with 2- to 4-foot tops
are considered most economical and also most convenient to
handle. If larger trees are used, their height should not exceed
6 feet, and then the ball of earth should be large enough to in-
clude a high proportion of the roots.
Trees that have balls of earth too small to include most of
the roots should be rejected. Balls of earth that are too small
will show numerous ends of freshly cut roots, shorn off in digging.
Narrow-crowned trees that give evidence of having been crowded
in the nursery should be similarly rejected.
Balled-and-burlapped trees should be used, if finances will
permit. Other factors being equal, losses are considerably less in
balled-and-burlapped stock than in bare-root stock.
If low cost is an important consideration, however, bare-root
stock may be used. Bare-root trees are those that have had the
soil shaken from the roots, which are then kept moist by being
packed in wet moss or similar material. Because of the unavoid-
able loss of some roots in this type of handling, it is essential
that the root system consist of a mass of fine, fibrous roots, fig.
14, rather than a few coarse, stout ones. In bare-root trees, the
qualities of thrift and vigor and dense, well-balanced tops and
roots are even more important than in balled-and-burlapped trees.
Bare-root trees should be transplants at least 5 years old.
Those with 12- to 15-inch tops have proved most successful, and
the height should never exceed 18 inches. Planters have experi-
enced severe losses with bare-root stock of larger size. If trans-
plants smaller than 12 inches in height are used, severe damage
by rabbits may result. (See “Protection,” page 26.) Trans-
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 15
with bare-root stock.
16 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
plants designated as 2-3 stock have been grown 2 years in the
seedbed and 3 years in transplant rows; 2—2-1 stock consists of
trees grown in the seedbed for 2 years and in transplant rows
for 2 years followed by 1 year in rows after a second transplant-
ing. Transplanting has a root-pruning effect and aids in the de-
velopment of compact, fibrous root systems. In selecting bare-
root trees it should be realized that sharp attention is necessary
in handling and care to assure satisfactory results.
Windbreaks generally require 100 to 150 trees, varying, of
course, with the length necessary to protect buildings and lots.
(See “Number of Rows and Spacing,” page 11; also ‘“Replant-
ing,” page 26.) It is advisable to purchase at least 10 more trees
than are actually needed for the original windbreak planting,
so that some extra trees may be planted in the garden and used
later to replace losses in the windbreak.
The majority of ornamental nurseries grow the types of
trees satisfactory for windbreaks, and some of the large nurs-
eries specialize in producing windbreak trees. Information on
sources and prices of windbreak planting stock may be obtained
by writing to the Extension Forester, 219 Mumford Hall, Urbana,
Illinois.
Because farmstead windbreaks have ornamental value, trees
for planting them are not available from Illinois state nurseries,
which supply stocks for shelterbelts (field windbreaks) and for
the establishment of forest plantations in which wood crops are
grown and produced.
Trees should be ordered early in the winter to assure obtain-
ing those desired before supplies run out.
PLANTING THE WINDBREAK
Preparation for Planting.—All plans for the windbreak
should be made in the fall, and the area should be marked out.
Included in the area should be a strip at least 6 feet wide be-
tween each outer row and a fence that should be erected to pro-
tect the trees, figs. 11 and 21. An 8-foot strip between the trees
and the fence is advisable where space permits, since this dis-
tance allows more room for mowing equipment, and the trees are
larger in size and better established by the time their branches
reach the fence. Experience in Illinois indicates that it is advis-
able to maintain a sod cover on the windbreak area; so soil prepa-
ration will be necessary only where a satisfactory sod does not
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 17
aed
Fig. 15.—Drainage from barnyards kills evergreen trees. This section
of windbreak area is part of the short strip shown in fig. 8, 10 years after
being planted. Note dead trees, thin foliage, and lack of good stand.
already exist. Where plowing of the windbreak area is essential,
this work should be done thoroughly in the fall and followed by
disking and harrowing in the spring.
Since windbreaks are located to protect barns and feedlots,
as well as houses, there may often be drainage of barnyard water
across the windbreak area. Such drainage, and even slow seep-
age, will kill evergreens in a short time and should be taken care
of before the trees are planted, figs. 15 and 16. The local sit-
uation will, in most cases, dictate the manner of meeting this
problem. Where the natural surface drainage across the wind-
break area is well defined, a ditch or tile may be most practical.
Usually, seepage in level or nearly level situations can be pre-
vented by forming a ridge 2 or 3 feet high between the lot and
the windbreak on the windbreak side of the fence. Improvement
of drainage in another direction may also be necessary. In some
cases where a pronounced even slope would carry lot drainage
across the windbreak area, it might be advisable to provide a
catch basin by laying a tile line between the lot and the windbreak
18 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
on the windbreak side of the fence and filling from tile to ground
surface with crushed rock. It is preferable to carry barnyard
water around the windbreak by a diversion ditch where that
method is at all practicable.
It is advisable to build necessary fences around the wind-
break area in the fall rather than to postpone this job until the
as
Fig. 16.—These vigorous Norway spruce trees are located in the same
windbreak as those shown in fig. 15. Absence of manure water accounts for
the difference in growth and survival rate. The stand here, not exposed to
barnyard drainage, is already giving protection, 10 years after being planted.
trees are planted, when the fencing might be neglected because
of the rush of spring work. The fence must be adequate to keep
out both stock and poultry.
Only spring planting of windbreaks is recommended. Spring-
planted trees have the advantage of one growing season before
they encounter the rigors of their first winter. Fall-planted wind-
breaks may suffer heavy losses from frost heaving or winter
burning, and the average farmstead owner cannot afford to lose
a large number of trees of the size used for windbreak planting.
In the spring each row should be laid out and the place for
each tree marked with a stake. Laths make handy markers for
this use, fig. 17. It is important that the area be ready so that
planting may be done without delay as soon as the trees are
received.
Handling the Trees.—Arrangements can be made to have
nurseries ship your trees, have them ready to be called for, or
deliver them at the time you request. When your order is con-
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 19
firmed, you should notify the nursery of a date that will bring
you the trees at a time when in your experience you may expect
the ground to be in good condition; the earlier in the spring the
better.
Balled-and-burlapped trees should be moved to the farm and
planted in the shortest time practicable after being dug at the
nursery. The greatest danger of damage through drying exists
in this period. Trucking is generally the most satisfactory means
of transportation, since it is usually the most prompt and eco-
nomical. Some windbreak planters in areas 125 to 150 miles from
Fig. 17.—Windbreak area in Putnam County that has been well prepared
and made ready for the trees. Lath stakes indicate where the trees are to
be planted.
nurseries of their choice in the Chicago area have used return
trips of livestock trucks in transporting their trees. Freight is
too slow for such a perishable product as nursery stock, and, be-
cause of the weight of balled-and-burlapped trees, express is
usually not economical. In transit the balls of earth should be
kept moist with wet sacks or straw, or the trees should be pro-
tected with a tarpaulin so that wind and sun will not dry them
out.
Use care in handling the trees. Dropping or other rough
handling breaks the ball of earth and tears away fine feeding
roots; such handling also loosens the soil, which can then dry
out quickly. Trees should be picked up by the ball and not by
the stem. Lifting by the stem places an excessive strain on the
20 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
root system and tears the fine roots, particularly if the ball of
earth is large and heavy.
When temporary storage becomes necessary, balled-and-bur-
lapped trees should be grouped together in a shady place, as on
the north side of a building or in a cool shed. The balls of earth
should be packed with wet sacks or the trees protected with a
tarpaulin to reduce evaporation.
Rapid transportation of bare-root trees is important, and
both express and truck shipments have proved satisfactory.
However, if your trees are to be shipped by express, telephone
your express office daily after receiving notice of shipment so
that you can call for the trees as soon as possible after their
arrival. Bare-root trees of the size suitable for windbreak plant-
ing are usually tied in bunches and packed tightly in crates or
burlap-covered bundles with the roots in moist moss. The moss
is necessary to keep the tree roots moist, but if left very long it
will heat and mold, seriously damaging the trees. It is therefore
urgent that you remove the trees promptly from the transporta-
tion office and plant them or heel them in the same day in a cool,
shady place.
To heel-in trees, make a trench of sufficient depth, width,
and length to accommodate the roots when the trees are placed
side by side in a single row. Dig the trench with one side of it
slightly sloping; when removing the soil pile it on the other side
so that you can easily throw it over the roots after you have
placed them in the trench. Before opening a bunch of trees, cut
off any long, straggling roots, as roots curled up in the bottom of
the planting hole or turned back toward the top cannot grow
properly. After pruning the straggling roots, open the bundle
and spread three to five trees along the sloping side of the trench;
immediately cover the roots with moist soil and firm it about
them.
Keep the bundles of trees in the moist moss of the package
until the trench is prepared. Use care at all times to keep the
roots of the trees moist. Drying of the roots will kill them; it is
improper handling of the trees that causes many serious planta-
tion losses. After heeling-in the trees, water the soil about the
roots and keep it well watered until the trees have been planted.
If you have not heeled-in the trees in a shady place, shade them
with boards or burlap set high enough off the ground to allow
free circulation of air around the tree tops. You can safely keep
the trees heeled-in for a week or 10 days, but you can expect
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 21
best results if you plant them in the windbreak area at once.
When you remove trees from the heeling-in bed, be sure to loosen
the soil around the roots so that the fine ones will not be torn
away. These fine roots are important to the survival of the
trees.
When planting bare-root trees, carry them in a galvanized
bucket or tub containing sufficient water to cover the roots. The
water will serve to keep the roots moist while the trees are being
_ carried along the rows. Take trees from the bucket one at a
time; keep each tree in the bucket until the hole for it is pre-
pared. The exposure that results from carrying bare-root trees
in your hand along the planting row for even a few seconds will
kill the fine roots.
Planting.—Where a sod cover exists on the windbreak site,
it is necessary to cut away an area of sod at least 4 feet in
diameter where each tree is to be planted. The hole in which
the tree is planted should be wide enough and deep enough to
accommodate the ball of earth without crowding, or to receive
the roots well spread out in a natural position, and to allow the
tree to be set at least as deep as it grew in the nursery. Planting
the tree as much as an inch deeper than it grew in the nursery
will do no harm, but it should never be planted any shallower.
A grub hoe, spade, or round-pointed shovel may be used
to cut away sod. Holes may be dug with a round-pointed
shovel, or they may be dug to desired hole depth with a powered
post-hole auger and enlarged to proper size with shovel or spade.
Immediately after each hole is dug, select a tree, and plant
it in the hole. Avoid digging holes in advance of planting, be-
cause holes dry rapidly under average spring weather condi-
tions. Dry soil, as well as air, in contact with the roots can
damage and possibly kill the tree. Moist soil in the hole is essen-
tial for bare-root stock and desirable for balled-and-burlapped
trees. In planting a balled-and-burlapped tree, set the ball in
the hole without removing the burlap, fig. 18, and tamp top soil
around the ball until the hole is filled within an inch or two of
the top. A small-diameter post tamp is useful in packing the
soil around the curved bottom of the ball as well as the sides. In
planting a bare-root tree, hold the tree in an upright position
and work fine soil down around the roots, tamping it in firmly
until the hole is about three-quarters filled. In the planting of
either balled-and-burlapped or bare-root stock the soil should be
packed firm; loose soil or air pockets are to be avoided. Extreme
22 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
Fig. 18.—Balled-and-burlapped Norway spruce set in windbreak row
without removing burlap from ball of earth. The cords will be cut and the
burlap turned back from the top of the ball before the hole is completely
filed with soil.
ac Bed
eB,
x
Fig. 19.—Watering newly planted Norway spruce after the hole has
been filled within an inch or two of top with soil. After the water has
soaked in, the hole will be filled level with the ground surface with loose soil.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 23
care is necessary in handling bare-root trees to assure satisfactory
results.
Before completely filling the hole of the balled-and-burlapped
or the bare-root tree, pour in at least one bucket of water and
let it soak in, fig. 19. Do no more tamping after watering. Fill
the hole to the ground surface with loose soil; do not make a
mound around the base of the tree. In planting a balled-and-
burlapped tree, before the hole is completely filled with soil,
loosen the burlap from the top of the ball and spread it out to
be covered with a mulching material. Cut cord or twine that
may be tied around the stem of the tree.
When planting windbreak trees, observe these precautions:
Keep tree roots or ball of earth moist.
Dig the hole deep enough to avoid curling or bunching of
the roots.
Set the tree in an erect position.
Set the tree at least as deep as it grew in the nursery, and
not more than 1 inch deeper.
Keep dry soil, sod, or other debris out of the hole.
Use only moist soil in filling the hole.
Pack soil around the tree roots or ball of earth.
Settle the soil with a bucket of water.
CARE OF THE WINDBREAK
Mulching.—A good mulch should be placed around the trees
immediately after planting and this mulch should be maintained
until the lower branches of the trees cover the area normally
covered by the mulch. The importance of such a mulch cannot
be overemphasized. Experiences of windbreak planters clearly
show that an effective mulch pays valuable dividends in higher
survival, denser foliage, and more rapid growth. In summer it
keeps grass and weeds away from the tree and conserves moisture
for the shallow feeding roots; in winter it keeps the soil at a
relatively even temperature that assures minimum winter injury.
Peat moss, chopped hay, straw, or ground cobs make good
mulching material. Straw is frequently used, as it is usually
available and is easy to handle, fig. 20. Any straw used should
not contain animal manure. Although thoroughly rotted manure
may be used effectively, the high nitrogen content of manures
usually available on farms burns the tree roots and makes use of
such materials dangerous.
24 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 36
In recent years ground corn cobs have increased in popu-
larity as a mulch. The material is easy to apply and keep in place
in spring winds; also it does not rot down so fast as straw and
requires less frequent replacement. Under average conditions a
Fig. 20.—Straw mulch placed arvound this Douglasfir has been completely
effective in keeping weeds and grass away from the tree.
liberal application of ground cobs will be effective for two sum-
mers, whereas a similar application of straw will need replace-
ment after one season. Cobs should be ground to the fineness
commonly used in poultry brooder houses. Broken cobs from corn
shelling, because of their coarseness, are not effective.
Sawdust and fine, chaffy materials are not entirely satisfac-
tory because of their tendency to crack with the soil in dry
periods.
The mulch should cover an area not less than 4 feet in diam-
eter and should be at least 3 inches thick.. The mulching material
should not be placed against the tree; a 2- or 3-inch clearance
should be provided around the stem to reduce the possibility of
mouse injury. As soon as the mulch breaks down so that weeds
start growing through, it should be replaced.
Sod Cover or Cultivation?—Establishing a good sod cover
between the trees and maintaining a good mulch around the trees
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 25
have been found much more satisfactory practices than cultivat-
ing the windbreak close to the trees.
In case farmstead owners desire to grow garden crops in the
windbreak area, cultivation is not objectionable if kept far enough
away from the trees to avoid disturbing the roots and mulch.
Any row crops may be grown, but vining crops should be avoided.
The cultivation of garden crops in the windbreak should not be
carried on for more than 8 years after the trees are planted, as
the roots of the trees will begin to spread out where they will
be liable to injury by the cultivator.
In establishing a sod cover, use any grass mixture suited to
the locality. Mixtures including alsike clover or lespedeza are
desirable; sweet clover and alfalfa should be avoided. A suitable
mixture includes timothy, redtop, and alsike clover. In parts of
the state where it reseeds, lespedeza may be added. After the sod
is established, usually about two clippings a season are advisable
to reduce competition with the trees. Clipping should occur be-
fore the growth becomes rank and develops heads.
Fig. 21.—The fence is important in windbreak planting. This young
windbreak in Vermilion County is protected from livestock by good fence.
26 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
Protection.— Windbreaks, to be successful, must be protected
throughout their entire lives from both stock and poultry. As
stated above, adequate fences, fig. 21, should be built even before
the trees are planted and thereafter permanently maintained.
Animals pack the soil and injure tree roots; they browse
and trample small trees and spoil the effectiveness of larger trees
by browsing the foliage and by breaking the lower branches,
fig. 22. Poultry scratch earth away from the roots, fig. 23, and
Fig. 22.—A Norway spruce in windbreak damaged by sheep. Note hang-
ing wool (circle) and stub of branch (arrow) broken by rubbing. Absence of
low branches permits ground wind to whip under the green crowns and
reduce effectiveness of the windbreak. All forms of livestock should be
permanently excluded from the windbreak area.
pick the opening buds in the spring; when they roost in the trees
their droppings kill the branches. Both stock and poultry destroy
the mulch applied after planting, as well as the carpet of needles
that later naturally forms and provides mulching benefits. Fif-
teen- to 20-foot trees have been observed losing needles and be-
coming thin-foliaged as a result of the scratching and dusting
of poultry beneath their crowns. In some situations where small
trees are used, protection from rabbits may be necessary, but
usually no special protection from these animals is required if
the fence is poultry tight.
Replanting.—The success of a windbreak depends on a solid
stand of trees being brought through to maturity. Each tree
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 27
missing from the original pattern cuts down the efficiency of the
windbreak and lessens the planter’s reward for his efforts in
setting and caring for the trees. The planter cannot expect every
tree to live, and, as there are usually a few losses during the first
Fig. 23.—Poultry scratched soil away from this Douglasfir and exposed
fine, shallow feeding roots. Note absence of mulch around the tree and of
vegetation in the foreground. Protection from poultry is essential to good
windbreak development.
few years, it is advisable to order at least 10 more trees than
will actually be needed to plant the windbreak. These trees should
be set about 3 feet apart in a row in the garden, cared for as are
the windbreak trees, and used to replace the windbreak trees that
die. There should be no further losses in the young windbreak
after it is 5 years old, and any remaining replacement trees may
be used for ornamental planting about the grounds.
Renewing Old Windbreaks.—Evergreen trees, like other
plants, will not live forever, and the time must be expected to
arrive when the trees in the mature windbreak will start dying.
Then the windbreak will begin to lose its effectiveness. Many
of the old windbreaks planted in northern Illinois in the 1860’s
and ’70’s have served well for many decades but are now becom-
ing thin and ineffective, as is shown clearly in fig. 24. The life
span of the evergreens is usually longer in northern Illinois than
in the southern or central parts of the state, and on the Grand
28 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
Fig. 24.—A Norway spruce windbreak, 65 years old and beginning to thin
out; this windbreak is badly in need of supplemental planting.
Prairie their life span is shortest. The windbreaks planted today,
however, should last much longer than the old windbreaks have
lasted, because in the early plantings the trees were invariably
set too close together and their greatest loss was the result of
overcrowding.
As soon as the old windbreak starts thinning out, steps
should be taken to get new trees established so that these trees
will be tall enough to be effective by the time the old trees have
to be removed. The best plan is to start two new rows of trees
outside the old windbreak, as was done in the case illustrated
Fig. 25.—Two new rows of Norway spruce planted to supplement an old
windbreak that is thinning out. When the old windbreak is gone, a third
row can be set where the old trees now stand.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 29
in fig. 25. When the old trees finally have to be cut, a third row
of new trees may be set where the old windbreak originally stood.
If it is desired to work the windbreak in closer to the farmstead,
the first two rows of new trees can be set on the inside of the
old windbreak rather than on the outside. New trees should never
be planted among the old ones, for the evergreens need full light
for their development and will be quickly killed by the shade
from the old trees.
Diseases and Insects.—The trees in the windbreak should
be watched for symptoms of injury by disease or insects, for
such injury may seriously retard the growth of the trees, or even
kill some of them. Red spider and bagworm are rather common
pests that may attack individuals or small groups of the kinds
of trees recommended for windbreak planting in Illinois. Alert-
ness in detecting an attack is important to avoid loss; controls
properly timed are simple. (See University of Illinois College
of Agriculture Extension Circular 509, Protecting Shade Trees
From Insect Damage.) No control has yet been developed for
the tip moth, which attacks shortleaf pine, or the Zimmer-
man pine moth, which damages Austrian and Scotch pines.
A disease known as Cytospora canker has been found in a
few instances on young Norway spruce; apparently it had spread
from old spruce near-by. Recent occurrence of white pine blister
rust on eastern white pine in northern Illinois may make the
planting of that species in windbreaks unadvisable except in loca-
tions (usually on the prairie) where cultivated and wild goose-
berries and currants, alternate hosts of the disease, do not usually
grow. Gooseberries and currants that grow within 900 feet of
the white pine location should be destroyed.
It is advisable to look over the trees occasionally and, when-
ever any symptoms of disease or unidentified insect injury appear,
immediately send specimens of the injured branches to the
Natural History Survey, at Urbana, for identification and recom-
mendations for control measures. Quick action may save con-
siderable loss. )
WHAT THE WINDBREAK TREES ARE LIKE
Norway Spruce (Picea abies).—A native of Europe that has
been found well adapted to planting in North America. Makes
good growth throughout most of the state of Illinois but will not
develop on sandy or excessively dry soils. Develops a tall, conical
30 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
crown with the branches tending to sweep downward and then
turn slightly upward at the ends. The twigs often hang down
like streamers from the lower branches, fig. 26. The leaves are
short, needle-like and rich dark green. Grows best on deep, fresh
soils. See figs. 2, 3, 4, 16, and 27, as well as fig. 26.
Douglasfir (Pseudotsuga taxifolia).—A native of western
North America found growing under a wide variety of conditions.
The type found growing in the dry central Rocky Mountain region
is well adapted to planting in Illinois. It is somewhat drought re-
sistant and much less suscep-
tible to red spider damage than
is Norway spruce. Develops a
dense, pyramidal crown, with
lower branches sweeping down-
ward; similar to the Norway
spruce. The densely leaved
twigs, also, sweep downward
from the branches, giving an
exceptionally attractive appear-
Fig. 26.—Interior of Norway
spruce windbreak, showing density
of foliage. The trees in this wind-
break in southern Hamilton County
averaged 30 feet in height growth
in 18 years; they illustrate the
adaptability of Norway spruce to
southern Illinois.
ance to the tree. The leaves are needle-like, averaging 1 inch in
length, and, although normally dark green, they often have a
blue tinge. Early growth is at about the same rate as for Norway
spruce. A few cases of late spring frost damage have been seen.
White Spruce (Picea glauca).—A native tree of the north
woods of the Great Lakes region, northeastern United States,
and Canada that has been used successfully in ornamental plant-
ings in Illinois. It does not grow so fast as Douglasfir or Norway
spruce, but it has a dense, bluish-green foliage that is useful for
windbreak plantings and that gives pleasing ornamental effects.
Black Hills spruce (Picea glauca densata) is a variety of white
spruce from the Black Hills of South Dakota. This variety is
exceptionally drought resistant, but it grows too slowly to be
generally recommended for windbreak planting in Illinois.
Colorado (Blue) Spruce (Picea pungens).—A native of the
Rocky Mountains well adapted to Illinois conditions. Highly de-
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 31
sirable in the blue forms as an ornamental tree because of the
light bluish cast and denseness of the foliage. Drought resistant,
but slow growing. An excellent tree to mix with Douglasfir or
Norway spruce for pleasing landscaping effects.
White (Concolor) Fir (Abies concolor).—A true fir native
to western North America and successfully planted as an orna-
mental tree in Illinois. The dense, bluish-green foliage and the
stocky, pyramidal form of the crown make it highly attractive
as an occasional tree in mixture with Norway spruce or Douglas-
fir. High cost usually makes its extensive use prohibitive.
Red (Norway) Pine (Pinus resinosa).—A native tree of the
forests of the Great Lakes region and northeastern United States
that is doing exceptionally well in plantations in Illinois, even
on dry, sandy soils. Makes rapid growth and attains good height.
The reddish color of the bark and the sturdy, upright form of
this tree add to the beauty of an evergreen planting. The needle-
like leaves are long, but, being borne in clusters of two leaves
each, do not make such dense foliage as spruce or fir. This, as
well as the other pines, may be planted as the center row of a
spruce or fir windbreak for more rapid height growth in the early
years of the windbreak. However, it should not be planted alone
except in the sand regions where conditions are too dry for spruce
or fir. Although red pine is quite free from insect pests and
diseases, on slowly drained soils it dies at an early age.
Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus).—A native tree of
northern Illinois commonly found as a dooryard tree throughout
the state. Well adapted to a wide variety of soils, but will not
stand dry conditions so well as red pine or Austrian pine. This
tree makes comparatively fast growth and reaches greater height
than the other evergreens, except on the Grand Prairie, where
the top tends to flatten out. The dark green, needle-like leaves,
borne five in a cluster, are fine and limber, and form a denser
foliage than that of the shortleaf, Austrian, or red pines. It may
become infected by the white pine blister rust where that disease
occurs on near-by currants and gooseberries. See discussion,
“Diseases and Insects,” page 29.
Shortleaf Pine (Pinus echinata).—A native pine of southern
Illinois found on the dry ridges of the Ozarks. Grows rapidly and
is well adapted to planting in poor, dry soils. The needle-like
leaves, borne two or three in a cluster, do not make a dense foli-
age. This tree is useful principally because of its rapid growth,
but should be planted only in the southern part of the state.
32 ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR 38
Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda).—A native of southern United
States that has grown very rapidly in southern Illinois since its
introduction there about two decades ago. Adapted to moist soils,
it should not be planted in poor, dry situations. The bright green,
needle-like leaves, occurring in clusters of two and three, fail to
provide dense foliage. This tree, sometimes attacked by sap-
suckers, should be used only south of an east-west line between
East St. Louis and Lawrenceville.
Austrian Pine (Pinus nigra).—A native of Europe that was
widely planted in Illinois as a dooryard tree in the late years of
the last century. The needle-like leaves are long and dark green,
and form a fairly dense foliage. It makes rapid growth and will
develop on poor, dry soils. It is a preferred host of the Zimmer-
man pine moth and subject to attack by sapsuckers. Its value
in a windbreak is somewhat inferior to that of red pine.
Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana).—A native ever-
green of Illinois with short, needle-like and scalelike leaves, and
a very dense branching habit. It does not make great height
growth, seldom reaching a height of 40 feet, but is adapted to
practically all soils. Because of its dense crown, it is useful where
there is room for only a single row of trees. The redcedar harbors
the cedar-apple rust, which may cause serious damage to its
alternate host, the apple. It is therefore not recommended for
use in apple regions, even though orchardists may grow rust-
resistant varieties of apples. See fig. 27 for windbreak of red-
cedar and Norway spruce. The average growth rate of the
eastern redcedar is slow.
WINDBREAKS AND WILDLIFE*
The usefulness of evergreen windbreaks to wildlife begins
soon after planting and lasts throughout the life of the trees.
Such usefulness may be perpetuated by replanting, as discussed
on pages 26 to 29 of this circular. During the first few years the
planting area may supply good nesting cover for game and cer-
tain ground-frequenting songbirds. As the trees become larger
they become increasingly valuable to tree-nesting birds, including
mourning doves. Squirrels make use of larger windbreaks, es-
pecially if suitable nest boxes are provided. «|
Windbreaks supply dense, close-to-the-ground cover, par-
ticularly valuable in winter in protecting wildlife during periods
*This section by Lee E. Yeager, formerly Forester, Illinois Natural History Survey.
DAVIS: WINDBREAKS FOR ILLINOIS FARMSTEADS 33
of deep snow and very cold weather. They offer this sort of cover
for a much longer time than do regular forest plantations be-
cause the trees, spaced farther apart, allow the development of
low, spreading branches that are not quickly killed by shading.
The open spaces between trees are inviting to many native birds.
Spruce, eastern redcedar, and fir are somewhat more valuable
than the pines for cover purposes.
Windbreaks in the vicinity of farm buildings serve song-
birds probably more than they do quails, pheasants, rabbits, or
squirrels. No situations are more attractive to wintering birds
than those provided by evergreen trees. Bluejays, brown creep-
ers, nuthatches, cardinals, native sparrows, woodpeckers, and
other birds flock to such winter
quarters. Quails and pheasants
take shelter here during severe
weather and they may use the
cover at other seasons.
;
y
ae
Fig. 27.—Eastern redcedar and
Norway spruce combined in a wind-
break. .The two kinds of trees are
the same age, but the Norway
spruce in the background is twice
as tall as the redcedar in front.
Windbreaks make the best possible locations for winter bird
feeding stations. The erection of suitable nest boxes after the
trees reach a height of 12 to 15 feet may attract the useful
screech owl, sparrow hawk, flicker, and other cavity-nesting birds.
On the Illinois prairie, screech owls are year-round residents and
they are known to destroy an average of one mouse per day.
Sparrow hawks, common only during the late spring, summer, and
fall, feed largely on insects, especially grasshoppers, and on mice.
Most birds likely to use the windbreak are useful insect eaters;
therefore, the windbreak, by attracting birds, has an important
bearing on protection of the farm garden.
Few places on the farm will serve the youngsters better as
an outdoor laboratory for studying nature and her ways, fig. 4.
No.
yul9;
pails
aaa
. 23.
. 24,
. 25.
. 26.
rails
. 28.
< 8):
. 30.
5 oul
. 32.
30.
Biological Notes Published Recently by the
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY
Lake Management Reports. 5. Winterkill of Fishes in an Illinois
Lake. George W. Bennett. January, 1948. 9 pp.
Wildlife and Fisheries Values of Bottomland Lakes in Illinois.
Frank C. Bellrose and Clair T. Rollings. June, 1949. 24 pp.
Population Losses in the Mallard, Black Duck, and Blue-Winged
Teal. Frank C. Bellrose and Elizabeth Brown Chase. January,
1950. 27 pp.
Cost of Bass Fishing at Ridge Lake, Coles County, Illinois. George
W. Bennett and Leonard Durham. February, 1951. 16 pp.
Control of Horse Flies on Cattle. Willis N. Bruce and George C.
Decker. February, 1951. 8 pp.
Commercial Fisheries of Illinois Rivers: A Statistical Report for
1950. William C. Starrett and Sam A. Parr. November, 1951. 35 pp.
Lead Poisoning in Wild Waterfowl. James S. Jordan and Frank
C. Bellrose. December, 1951. 27 pp.
Automatic Sprayer for Control of Biting Flies on Cattle. Willis
N. Bruce. February, 1952. 11 pp.
Home Pools and Homing Behavior of Smallmouth Black Bass in
Jordan Creek. R. Weldon Larimore. June, 1952. 11 pp.
An Inventory of the Fishes of Jordan Creek, Vermilion County,
Illinois. R. Weldon Larimore, Quentin H. Pickering, and Leonard
Durham. August, 1952. 26 pp.
Sport Fishing at Lake Chautauqua, near Havana, Illinois, in 1950
and 1951. William C. Starrett and Perl L. McNeil, Jr. August,
1952. 31 pp.
Some Conservation Problems of the Great Lakes. Harlow B. Mills.
October, 1953. 14 pp.
Some Facts About Illinois Snakes and Their Control. Philip W.
Smith. November, 1958. 8 pp.
A New Technique in Control of the House Fly. Willis N. Bruce.
December, 1958. 8 pp.
Single copies of publications in the Biological Notes series listed above
are available without cost from the Illinois Natural History Survey,
Urbana, Illinois.
SOME RECENT PUBLICATIONS
A.—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY BULLETIN.
Volume 25, Article 1—Characteristics of Residual Insecticides Toxic to the
ee Fly. By Willis N. Bruce. July, 1949. 32 pp., frontis. -+ 14 figs.,
bibliog.
Volume 25, Article 2.—Effect of Permanent Flooding in a River-Bottom Timber
Area. By Lee E. Yeager. August, 1949. 34 pp., frontis. + 21 figs., bibliog.
Volume 25, Article 3.—Canada Geese of the Mississippi Flyway, with special
reference to an Illinois flock. By Harold C. Hanson and Robert H. Smith.
March, 1950. 144 pp., frontis. + 82 figs., bibliog.
Volume 25, Article 4.—Biology of the White Crappie in Illinois. By Donald F.
Hansen. August, 1951. 56 pp., frontis. + 13 figs., bibliog.
Volume 25, Article 5—Commercial and Sport Fishes of the Mississippi River
Between Caruthersville, Missouri, and Dubuque, Iowa. By Paul G. Barnickol
and William C. Starrett. September, 1951. 84 pp., frontis. + 10 figs., bibliog.
Volume 25, Article 6.—Tularemia, Weather, and Rabbit Populations. By
Ralph E. Yeatter and David H. Thompson. June, 1952. 32 pp., frontis. +
29 figs., bibliog.
Volume 26, Article 1—The Mayflies, or Ephemeroptera, of Illinois. By B. D.
Burks. May, 1953. 216 pp., frontis. + 395 figs., bibliog.
B.—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY CIRCULAR.
32.—Pleasure With Plants. By L. R. Tehon. February, 1952. (Fourth print-
ing, with revisions.) 32 pp., frontis. + 9 figs.
39.—How to Collect and Preserve Insects. By H. H. Ross. June, 1953. (Fourth
printing, with alterations.) 59 pp., frontis. + 65 figs.
41.—How to Recognize and Control Termites in Illinois. By B. G. Berger.
February, 1947. (Reprinted without text revision, April, 1950.) 44 pp.,
frontis. + 82 figs.
42—Bird Dogs in Sport and Conservation. By Ralph E. Yeatter. December,
1948. 64 pp., frontis. + 40 figs.
43.—Peach Insects of Illinois and Their Control. By Stewart C. Chandler.
December, 1950. 638 pp., frontis. + 39 figs.
44—The Drug Plants of Illinois. By Leo R. Tehon. July, 1951. 135 pp.,
frontis. + 262 figs.
45.—Housing for Wood Ducks. By Frank C. Bellrose. April, 1953. 47 pp.,
frontis. + 33 figs.
C.—ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY MANUAL.
2.—Fieldbook of Illinois Land Snails. By Frank Collins Baker. August, 1939.
166 pp., color frontis. + 170 figs., 8 pls. $1.00.
3.—Fieldbook of Native Illinois Shrubs. By Leo R. Tehon. December, 1942.
307 pp., 4 color pls. + 72 figs., glossary, index. $1.25.
List of available publications, about 400 titles, mailed on request.
Single copies of ILtino1s Narurat History Survey publications for which no
price is listed will be furnished free of charge to individuals until the supply be-
comes low, after which a nominal charge may be made. More than one copy
of any free publication may be obtained without cost by educational institutions and
official organizations within the State of Illinois; prices to others on quantity orders
of these publications will be quoted upon request.
Address orders and correspondence to the Chief
ILLINOIS NATURAL HISTORY SURVEY
Natural Resources Building, Urbana, Illinois
Payment in the form of money order or check made out to
State Treasurer of Illinois, Springfield, Illinois,
must accompany requests for those publications on which a price is set.
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