Page 216 - Area 9 - Relevant Document

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tried but are short lived and normally have a high mortality rate after
cutting.

Trees as windbreaks

Spatial arrangement

Windbreaks are lines of trees or shrubs whose main aim is the
reduction of wind speed. Well-designed windbreaks, i.e. ones that are
not too dense, not only reduce wind speed but may also increase
humidity and reduce water loss from the soil. The positive effect of a
windbreak is said to be felt up to a distance 20 times the height of the
trees in the windbreak.

Areas where the practice is relevant

Large windbreaks are most relevant in large-scale farming areas since
otherwise they would extend over many small farms thus causing
complicated planning and requiring good co-operation between the
farmers. Boundary planting of trees and live fences is usually
sufficient as windbreaks in small-scale farming areas. Larger
windbreaks are mostly seen in the former White Highlands, e.g. Trans
Nzoia, Nakuru, and Uasin Gishu.

Plate 24a: Multi-storey windbreaks