Many Black Hills properties are exposed to strong winds, winter snow, and dry conditions. The plants listed below have proven themselves in our region and can help create a more comfortable and protected landscape.
If you’ve spent even one winter in the Black Hills, you know that wind is often a bigger challenge than cold.
A well-designed windbreak can:
- Reduce winter winds
- Protect homes and outbuildings
- Reduce snow drifting
- Improve livestock comfort
- Create wildlife habitat
- Make outdoor living spaces more enjoyable
The best windbreaks are usually a combination of trees and shrubs rather than a single species planted in a straight line.
Windbreak Plant Comparison
| Plant | Type | Growth Rate | Mature Height | Wildlife Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Male Cottonwood | Tree | Very Fast | 60-90 ft | Moderate | One of the fastest ways to create a windbreak. |
| Native Cottonwood | Tree | Very Fast | 50-80 ft | High | Excellent wildlife tree but requires space. |
| Diamond Willow | Tree/large shrub | Fast | 15-30 ft | High | Fast-growing native option. |
| Blue Arctic Willow | Shrub | Fast | 6-10 ft | Moderate | Good lower-level wind protection. |
| Golden Willow | Tree | Fast | 30-50 ft | Moderate | Rapid screening and shelter. |
| Peachleaf Willow | Tree | Fast | 30-50 ft | High | Tough native-adapted tree. |
| Caragana | Shrub | Moderate | 10-15 ft | Moderate | Traditional prairie shelterbelt plant. |
| Silver Buffaloberry | Shrub | Moderate | 8-15 ft | Very High | Excellent wildlife and bird habitat. |
| Red Osier Dogwood | Shrub | Moderate | 6-10 ft | High | Great for wildlife and winter interest. |
| Hawkeye Honeysuckle | Shrub | Moderate | 8-12 ft | High | Dense cover and wildlife value. |
| Freedom Honeysuckle | Shrub | Moderate | 8-12 ft | High | Useful as part of a mixed windbreak. |
| Nanking Cherry | Shrub | Moderate | 6-10 ft | High | Edible fruit and wildlife value. |
| Centennial Cotoneaster | Shrub | Moderate | 6-10 ft | High | Dense growth and attractive berries. |
| Peking Cotoneaster | Shrub | Moderate | 8-12 ft | High | Excellent screening shrub. |
| American Linden | Tree | Moderate | 50-70 ft | High | Outstanding shade and shelter tree. |
| Littleleaf Linden | Tree | Moderate | 40-60 ft | Moderate | Attractive long-term windbreak tree. |
| Bur Oak | Tree | Slow-Moderate | 50-70 ft | Very High | One of the best long-term native windbreak trees. |
| Northern Catalpa | Tree | Moderate-Fast | 40-60 ft | Moderate | Large leaves provide excellent screening. |
| Silver Maple | Tree | Fast | 50-70 ft | Moderate | Rapid growth for larger properties. |
Best Choices for Quick Results
If your goal is to reduce wind as quickly as possible, consider:
- Hybrid Male Cottonwood
- Native Cottonwood
- Willow varieties
- Silver Maple
These species grow rapidly and can begin providing meaningful wind protection within just a few years.
Best Long-Term Windbreak Trees
If you’re planting for future generations, consider:
- Bur Oak
- American Linden
- Littleleaf Linden
- Northern Catalpa
These trees take longer to mature but often provide decades of dependable shelter.
Best Shrubs for Windbreaks
Many properties benefit from shrubs in addition to trees.
Shrubs help block wind near ground level and provide wildlife habitat.
Top shrub choices include:
- Caragana
- Silver Buffaloberry
- Red Osier Dogwood
- Nanking Cherry
- Hawkeye Honeysuckle
- Freedom Honeysuckle
- Cotoneasters
Wildlife-Friendly Windbreaks
A mixed windbreak can provide food, nesting sites, and winter shelter for birds and other wildlife.
Excellent choices include:
- Silver Buffaloberry
- Nanking Cherry
- Red Osier Dogwood
- Cotoneasters
- Honeysuckles
- Bur Oak
A Simple Windbreak Formula
For most rural properties, a combination works better than a single species.
Example:
Back Row (Tall Trees)
- Cottonwood
- Linden
- Bur Oak
Middle Row (Small Trees / Large Shrubs)
- Willow
- Catalpa
Front Row (Shrubs)
- Buffaloberry
- Dogwood
- Nanking Cherry
- Caragana
This layered approach slows wind more effectively, improves wildlife habitat, and creates a more resilient planting.
Final Thoughts
There is no single “best” windbreak plant for every property.
The right choice depends on:
- How quickly you need results
- Available space
- Wildlife goals
- Soil conditions
- Long-term maintenance preferences
For many Black Hills properties, a mixture of trees and shrubs provides the best combination of protection, beauty, and long-term success.