WIND MANAGEMENT

The branches of this 2 year old plum tree had to be tied to stakes in order to protect the maturing fruit from strong winds that could break the branch as well as cause fruit to fall

This young wattle was pushed over by wind. The plant is growing in hard soil and the roots were unable to keep the tree upright

The above tree needed to be pruned and staked in order to stop it from falling over in the future

These young seedlings are in a very exposed location and will need extra irrigation in order to survive. All of the cypress pines in the background have since died due to drought and strong drying winds over summer

View of the farm shortly after purchase in 2006. There are no trees established in this location and the soil is very poor

This young eucalyptus seedling is protected from the wind and excessive sunlight by the remains of a dead cypress pine. The seedling has also been mulched with coarse gravel

These eucalyptus trees have now reached 2 to 3 metres in height and are providing protection to the carob trees on the left. Weeds have been allowed to grow in order to provide extra shade and wind protection for the young carob trees

Air movement is essential for good plant growth, reducing the level of fungal growth in crops as well as replacing carbon dioxide used by plants.

Damage Due To Excessive Wind

Crop growth is stimulated by a gentle breeze, but excessive wind can cause much damage to crops as well as destroying the habitat of beneficial insects and animals on the farm. Excessive wind also increases the amount moisture lost by evaporation from the surface of the soil especially if the soil surface is hard and lacking a layer of mulch.

Damage Due To Strong Summer Wind

Strong winds combined with high temperatures during summer have seriously influenced the growth of the young trees on the farm. All of the trees planted in exposed areas had plastic tree guard surrounds, however, wind damage to leaves and stems is still apparent. Strong westerly winds have caused trees to lean towards the east and in very exposed places young trees needed to be staked.

Windbreak Trees On My Hobby Farm

Having purchased the hobby farm devoid of effective windbreaks, it has been a struggle getting young trees to become established due to the influence of drought conditions as well as very strong drying winds throughout the year. As a result, I have deliberately planted the native windbreak trees closely in order to get a more dense and effective barrier established within the first few years.

Positive Results After A Thousand Trees

Two years after planting a large number of trees and shrubs around the farm boundary and in rows every fifty metres at right angles to the prevailing winds, positive signs have started to appear. Trees planted in the most favourable locations have now reached a height of three metres although those in the more hostile sites are still less than one metre in height.

It has been hard work getting over one thousand trees established on the farm, but the results are now starting to show. The vegetation is getting greener, more blossoms are apparent with each passing season, and wildlife has begun to call the farm home.