9 new windbreaks were planted in six counties totaling 75,172 row feet (14.2 miles), covering approximately 33 acres.

County # WB’s Row Feet Acres

Hancock 1 5,460 2.8

Henry 1 3,915 1.2

Lucas 2 21,830 6.3

Ottawa 1 6,850 3.2

Paulding 1 5,856 3

Wyandot 3 31,261 16.4

Total 9 75,172 32.9

8,435 seedlings were used to plant new windbreaks:

4,415 conifers (25%)
4,020 hardwoods & shrubs (48%)
Approximately 110 seedlings were used for windbreak replacements. There were nine windbreak replants from 2012, using approximately 6,500 seedlings.
7 planting days were needed from April 1 through April 8, and May 8, 2013.
One planting crew was used with Division of Forestry personnel.

Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program

With fewer fence rows, less woodlots and fall plowing, Ohio farms lose more and more soil due to wind erosion. The Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program is a turnkey tree planting program in which participating landowners receive a complete service from the design of a windbreak to the planting of the trees.

The Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program is an inter-agency effort that began in 1977 with the objective to get field windbreaks planted in Northwest Ohio to reduce soil erosion, protect crops from wind damage and enhance wildlife habitat. Since the program's beginning in 1977, more than 1,500 windbreaks have been planted, covering more than 6.9 million row feet or 1,300 row miles.

Cooperating agencies and organizations include: local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) in 17 northwest Ohio counties; the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Farm Service Agency; the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Divisions of Forestry, Soil & Water, and Wildlife; and Pheasants Forever.

Windbreaks planted through the Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program must be at least 1,000 row feet in total length, and be protecting agricultural land. Landowners have from one to six rows of trees and shrubs planted through the program.

Spring 2013 marked the 37th planting season for the Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program. A total of 9 windbreaks were planted in 6 counties. Laid end to end the windbreaks would cover 75,172 row feet. More than 8,400 seedlings from 10 different species were planted in 2013. Five conifer species made up approximately 52% of the seedlings planted, while 5 harwood and shrub species accounted for 48%.

The Lake Erie Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) continues to be a key factor in the success of the program.

Also check out the Ohio Windbreak Guide (pdf) for additional information on windbreak design, maintenance, planting, and species selection.

For more information on the Northwest Ohio Field Windbreak Program email or call Gregg Maxfield, Ohio Division of Forestry at (419) 424-5004.