Wind is Damaging to Plants

Windy Weather

Windy weather, like we had over a past weekend, is very damaging to plants. (Notice I said “is” and not “can be”?) Light winds cause very little damage. Moderate winds cause moderate amounts of damage. Strong winds cause lots of damage. Why? I can think of at least two reasons; extent of damage and water use.

Shallow rooting of tree because of annual flowers planted at its base.

Vegetables and Wind

            Vegetables grow the best when located closest to the downwind side of a windbreak. Plants don’t care if the windbreak is living or not, they just want the wind slowed. For this reason, the best windbreaks are not solid walls (e.g., block walls) but perforated walls (e.g., chain-link fence with slats inserted in them). Solid walls cause the wind to swirl. Perforated walls cause the wind to slow. Science has shown us the best windbreaks are about 80-90% solid, not 100% solid.

Windbreaks for orchard in a canyon

Wind Damage and Fruit Trees

            Examples of damage include leaf and flower damage with small fruit ripped from the tree with some types of fruit trees. Plants grown in windy spots are smaller than plants grown in protected areas. In strong windy locations I have seen fruit trees that lean away from the wind. Wind damage to fruit trees is the worst on trees closest to the wind. Wind damage lessens on the second and third row of fruit trees. Plant fruit trees in blocks so they give each other wind protection. Locate fruit trees that tolerate wind damage the most on the windward side of the block. Examples of wind tolerant fruit trees are pomegranates, apples, and pears. These trees will protect the less wind tolerant fruit trees. Fruit trees less tolerant of wind include citrus, plums, apricots, and peaches.

Wind and Water Use

            Plants during windy weather use more water. If the winds are strong and continuous, they use more water! Wind is a strong predictor of plant water use. In fact, along with how bright the sun is shining it is one of the strongest predictors of plant water use. 

Pay Attention

Go outside in the morning. Look at the weather. Is it bright and sunny with very few clouds in the sky? Winds is a major predictor of high-water use. Look at the trees. Are the leaves moving? Look at a flag flying on a flagpole. Is the flag barely moving? Is the flag flapping a lot? Is the flag rippling because of the wind? Those are indicators of wind strength. Bright, cloudless skies and strong winds equals high water use in our desert climate. It’s time to water during bright windy weather.