Windbreaks and hedgerows in vineyards

Abstract

Windbreaks and hedgerows are two types of conservation buffers that can provide benefits to vineyards and the surrounding landscape. Windbreaks are rows of trees and/or shrubs in linear configurations, often established with the goal of slowing wind. Hedgerows are dense groupings of trees, shrubs, and other plants in a linear design, planted to achieve a natural resource conservation purpose such as providing habitat for wildlife, including pollinators and beneficial natural enemies. Hedgerows and windbreaks are structurally similar and perform many of the same functions. For example, many windbreaks can provide habitat for beneficial fauna, and many hedgerows can slow wind. Both windbreaks and hedgerows can be planted in and around vineyards to achieve production and conservation goals and help vineyards adapt to and mitigate climate change.

Citation

Favor, Katherine. 2025. Windbreaks and hedgerows in vineyards. Agroforestry Note 52. Lincoln, NE: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, National Agroforestry Center. 11 p. https://doi.org/10.2737/NAC-AN-52.