One of the things that we are trying to figure out on the farm is how to create a good windbreak. The west wind blows hard and cold almost every (other) day and the fruit trees probably get the worst of it. The previous owners shared with us their attempts at starting a windbreak, and the one that they left us is still surviving, but most of the trees are at 4-5 feet and seemed to have stalled. We need to get irrigation to them sometime this week. However it seems that there is much more to be done. A friend shared with us that sometimes several rows of trees at varying heights work well, or a concrete wall. We definitely prefer the method that uses trees though.
I'm going to start recording what I learn about creating and sustaining a windbreak, perhaps start a page on it. For now, our plans are sustain the pines already planted along the length of the easement, try to regrow the curly willows Kibomi tore up so we can plant them with the pines.
Some resources:
Comprehensive list from OSU: http://extension.oregonstate.edu/umatilla/mf/windbreaks
Windbreak design: http://extension.missouri.edu/p/G5900#windbreak
Excellent guide to windbreaks (pdf): http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/portals/18/landowner/pdf/windbreaks_guide.pdf
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