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OLD SCHOOL ENERGY SAVING TIP
Wednesday, January 9th, 2008 -- 2:33 pm
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
In a time when everyone is looking for high-tech ways to save energy, a Wisconsin conservation expert says some people can't see the forest for the trees.
For hundreds--maybe thousands--of years, farmers and others have strategically planted trees and shrubs to block wind and snow, but windbreaks are becoming less common.
"I don't know why, but I think it's just something that's been overlooked on some of the newer building sites," says Jane Reigel with the Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Studies have shown windbreaks can cut home heating costs by 10- to 25-percent and there are other benefits for farmers.
"There have been a lot of studies and they save a huge amount of energy, and it's also supposed to be health for animals and people," says Reigel.
And there are cost-sharing programs and design help for ag producers. "We have standards. If an ag producer wants to get cost-sharing, we have a specific amount of rows and specific amount of trees," according to Reigel.
Other benefits include increased crop yields and profits, a reduction in pesticide drift, improved irrigation efficiency and decreased noise pollution.
Windbreaks should be designed with building locations in mind, as they often cause drifting.
Call NRCS at 743-3164 ext. 3 for more information.
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