Contributors: T.E. Bilderback, Extension Horticulture Specialist; A.H. Bruneau, Extension Crop Science Specialist; S.C. Hodges, Extension Soil Science Specialist; L.T. Lucas, Extension Plant Pathology Specialist; W.A. Skroch, Professor Emeritus, Horticulture Science; S.L. Warren, Associate Professor, Horticulture Science.

Trees and Shrubs for Windbreaks

In designing landscapes, it is important to know the prevailing wind directions of the various seasons. Wind speed and direction can be controlled by careful placement of trees, shrubs, and screening structures that minimize the chilling effect of a cold winter wind or maximize the cooling effect of a summer breeze. Up to one-third of the heat loss from a building is caused by conduction (air movement). Conductive heat loss is increased by wind along outside walls and over the roof. Strong gusts of wind can also penetrate structures around windows, doors and the foundation.

A properly placed windbreak can reduce winter fuel use by 10 to 30 percent. A South Dakota experiment showed that proper landscaping decreased energy requirements by 30 percent in an electrically- heated structure in comparison to an identical structure with no landscaping. A windbreak can reduce the force of the wind before it reaches a structure, or it can redirect the wind currents away from the structure or other areas used during the winter. In North Carolina, evergreen plantings for windbreaks vary in different areas of the state. In the mountains, white pines, hemlock or fir could be used.

Rhododendron and mountain laurel are excellent choices for evergreen shrub windbreaks. The Piedmont areas could use a combination of evergreen trees and shrubs, both native and nursery-grown. In the coastal region, loblolly pine, holly and wax-myrtle are effective.

The following list includes evergreen trees and shrubs which are recommended for windbreak and screening purposes. Some of these plants become quite large. The ultimate size of the plants should be considered in the selection process.

Botanical Name Common Name(s) General Hgt Spread (ft) Region*
Camellia japonica Camellia 7-12 5-7 M P C
Camellia sasanqua Sasanqua, Camellia 7-12 5-7 PC
Cedrus deodora Deodar Cedar 75-100 45-60 M P C
Cleyera japonica Cleyera 8-10 5-6 P C
Elaeagnus pungens Thorny, Elaeagnus 8-11 6-10 M P C
Eriobotrya japonica Loquat 15-20 10-20 C
Euonymus japonicus Evergreen, Euonymus 6-7 4-5 P C
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii' Burford Holly 8-12 5-10 M P C
Ilex 'Foster's #2' Foster Holly 10-12 5-6 M P C
Ilex 'Nellie R. Stevens' Nellie Stevens Holly 8-10 5-6 P C
Ilex opaca American Holly 15-30 10-20 M P C
Juniperus virginiana Red Cedar 20-50 8-15 M P C
Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet 6-10 5-6 M P C
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia 35-60 20-30 P C
Myrica cerifera Wax-myrtle 10-12 5-6 P C
Nerium oleander Oleander 7-10 6-8 C
Osmanthus fragrans Fragrant Osmanthus 10-12 10-14 P C
Photinia fraseri Fraseri Photinia 6-10 4-5 P C
Pinus strobus Eastern White Pine 75-100 45-60 M P
Pittosporum tobira Pittosporum 8-10 6-8 P C
Prunus caroliniana Car. Cherry-laurel 20-30 15-20 P C
Taxus cuspidata Japanese Yew 4-6 5-6 C
Tsuga caroliniana Carolina Hemlock 50-60 20-25 M P

M = Mountains; P = Piedmont , C = Coastal Plain

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Last Modified: 07/10/96