Preparing the ground
Whatever tree or shrub you choose, it is necessary to give it a good start to facilitate its grip. Here’s how to do it:
- For its planting, you must prepare a hole that is large enough to encourage the roots to spread out quickly.
- You can also anticipate gales and plant the tree by tilting it slightly in the direction of the prevailing wind. On the other hand, do not exceed an angle of 5 ° in relation to the vertical so as not to unbalance the shaft too much.
- You can also carry out guying. This technique makes it possible to support the tree when a simple support is not sufficient.
- If you are by the sea, be aware that trees and shrubs take longer to settle. You can therefore choose toinstall windbreaks to help them at the start.
- Trees with a slender trunk, such as pines, among others, should preferably be planted in the company of other shrubs that will create a windbreak natural and effective. You can thus plant by forming rather tight thickets.
The choice of plants
The trees and shrubs which are suggested to you below are certainly resistant to the wind, but it is advisable to verify that they are also adapted to the climate of your region. Indeed, some regions are rather humid, others subject to heat, sea winds, etc. This is therefore a criterion to be taken into consideration when choosing your tree, without forgetting the nature of the soil on your land.
Holly
This shrub evokes the magic of Christmas and will allow you to enjoy a very decorative and defensive hedge. It is resistant and withstands spray, pollution, but also cold. Persistent, you will enjoy it all year round. It also has the advantage of adapting perfectly, whatever the nature of the soil.
Alnus
It comes in different species such as alnus cordata, alnus incana, alnus rubra, for example. This deciduous tree is very resistant to wind, including maritime. It is very hardy and grows fairly quickly. In February / March it covers itself with catkins and in summer it produces ovoid shaped fruits.
Elaeagnus
This shrub is an excellent windbreak that adapts to virtually any terrain. It is very resistant and tolerates drought, cold and wind. For a garden by the sea, choose the Bohemian olive tree or elaeagnus angustifolia. It can be placed in the sun or partial shade, regardless of the type of soil.
Hazel
This shrub is undemanding, whatever the nature of the soil, and is very hardy. There are different varieties, some with twisted branches, others with colored leaves. It also has the advantage of offering you hazelnuts. It should be placed in the shade or in the partial shade in any type of soil as long as it is draining.
Pine
There too, there are many different varieties of pines, such as dwarf pine, Scots pine, etc. The umbrella pine is widely distributed in the Mediterranean regions, while the maritime pine largely occupies the vast forests of the Landes. These different morphologies allow it to adapt to all terrains. A sunny exposure will make her happy.
Sea buckthorn
This versatile shrub is characterized by light foliage and colorful, edible fruits. Its resistance allows it to adapt to the most difficult conditions, such as wind and spray. It is found in coastal dunes and in mountainous areas in Europe and Asia where it grows naturally. It does not have any requirements concerning the nature of the soil, on the other hand it will prefer a sunny location to fruit properly. It is a very hardy shrub and very robust.
Privet
The privet is a shrub with compact and evergreen foliage. It is found as well in hedge as in isolated subject. It is easy to grow and easily adapts to most soils. It is not necessary to prune it, on the contrary, it will be better for it. Very rustic, it is still preferable to favor a sunny location or in partial shade to take advantage of its spring flowering. It is not drought tolerant and will need to be watered, if necessary.
Tamarisk
This bushy shrub is used to seaside, since it supports spray and strong winds. In spring or summer, it is covered with an abundant pink or white bloom. It is possible to plant it as a full hedge which will act as a windbreak or as an isolated subject, for example, in the background of a flower bed to protect them from the wind. It can reach a height of 3 to 5 m for an almost similar spread. It thrives in well-drained soil and with a very bright location.
Olearia
This compact, rounded shrub is often used in windbreak hedges. Depending on the species, this shrub can be more or less resistant to cold. It can be planted by the sea. Some species offer a flowering giving off an odor reminiscent of vanilla. To keep its compact shape, it will need to be pruned. It will be at ease in a location in the sun or partial shade.
Mulberry tree
The plane mulberry allows you to enjoy a tree whose dense foliage offers shelter from the sun’s rays. In early summer, it becomes covered with edible fruits which turn black once they are ripe. However, these fruits are very messy, so it is better to avoid planting this mulberry near a terrace or a parking lot. There are some sterile plane mulberry trees whose flower falls off before the fruit forms. This avoids the problems caused by these fruits. The plane mulberry is quite rustic and supports temperatures down to -20 °. It adapts to any type of soil and prefers a location in partial shade.