This time of year as winter is blowing away into spring we want to protect your landscape from the wind. There’s nothing more depressing than walking outside after a storm and surveying the damage to your newly planted plants. How can we give our gardens the best protection possible by planning and preparing our landscape ahead?
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Plan your landscape with wind in mind
One way to plan ahead is to learn how wind moves through your landscape. Usually the layout of various buildings, structures and paths can affect the path of wind. Once you’re aware of where the wind tunnels are you can avoid planting in those vulnerable areas. Sometimes those areas contain the best planting zones, so you may need to be creative and look for ways to control and steer the wind. You can add fencing, plant a hedge, plant a few rows of trees, or add some structures to the area to dissipate the pressure. Maybe you can add water features, benches or other tall structures to that area to protect the vulnerable plants.
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Secure tall plants
Taller plants or climbing plants need to be staked or secured to protected them from swaying and breaking at their base. We often only think of using stakes and trellises to control the size and shape of plants, but they are also useful in providing sturdy protection against high winds. Give them something to hold onto! It’s also important to make sure that the structures that are protecting the tall plants are substantial and sturdy. If you’re using a greenhouse or other structure to protect your plants, make sure that it is anchored securely.
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Plants protect each other if you let them
Nature has a way of taking care of itself. Plants often benefit each other, and you can use this to your advantage. Planting alternating rows of taller and shorter plants can help the shorter, more vulnerable plants be protected by the taller ones. Choosing the best planting distance between plants can help them thrive as well. Planting them at an optimum distance can help the vulnerable plants survive when the stronger group creates a windbreak and can help protect you landscape from the wind.
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Prevent Erosion
Soil erosion is another major issue that wind causes. Your previous topsoil can fly away in the wind leaving your plants roots naked and undernourished. One way to prevent this is by using raised beds that aren’t overfilled. Soil can move around but will stay securely inside the bed and can be fixed later. Another option is to use terraces especially on steep inclines.
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Plant and protect trees
Trees help to buffer winds and can protect newer trees and plants. Plant trees and shrubs in two or more curved layers. Make sure that they are evenly spaced, and they will protect downwind gardens from drying out. If you know a heavy windstorm is coming, use commercial tree wrap or burlap to protect newly planted trees. Prune existing trees to prevent damage and allow space for the wind.
Intense winds can cause broken stems, lost soil and blown-off leaves, but with a little planning and attention you can protect your plants despite the weather. Taking the time to design your garden to match the needs of the San Joaquin and Central valley will save you a lot of broken plants, and trouble down the line.