A Handbook for Forest Vegetation Management in Recreation and Historic Parks

Authors: Amy C. Helms, former Graduate Research Assistant and James E. Johnson, Extension Forester, College of Forestry and Wildlife Resources

Publication Number 420-143, October 1996

Native species suggested for planting as windscreens (Sources: Schroeder 1988, Cunningham 1988, and Flint 1983).

Small-Medium Sized Deciduous (with dense canopies)

Castanea pumila Allegheny chinquapin: Habit: Tree; Small, shrubby.; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Useful in sandy soil.
Celtis occidentalis Hackberry: Habit and size: Tree; 26 ft in 20 yrs, 92 ft in 75 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Medium hardiness, high useful life, low soil demands, medium growth rate. Unusually well adapted to cold, heat, dryness, wind, and alkaline soils.
Cornus amomum Silky Dogwood: Habit and size: Shrub; 7 ft in 5 yrs, 10 ft in 12 yrs; Light: Partial shade to full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Broadly adapted to soil type, acidity, and moisture conditions.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica Green or Red ash: Habit and size: Tree; 20 ft in 15 yrs, 59 ft in 50 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: High hardiness, high useful life, medium soil demands, medium growth rate.
Prunus americana Wild or American plum: Habit and size: Shrub; 8 ft in 10 yrs, 13 ft in 20 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average to slightly dry; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Medium hardiness, medium useful life, medium soil demands, medium growth rate.

Large-Scale Deciduous

Populus deltoides Cottonwood: Habit and size: Tree; 26 ft in 15 yrs, 92 ft in 35 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Wet to average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Longer-lived than most poplars.
Quercus rubra Northern Red Oak: Habit and size: Tree; 26 ft in 22 yrs, 66 ft in 70 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: One of the best oaks for city street planting.

Small-Medium Sized Evergreen

Juniperus virginiana Eastern red cedar: Habit and size: Tree; 13 ft in 15 yrs, 66 ft in 90 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average to dry; Soil pH: 5-7; Comments: High hardiness, high useful life, low soil demands, low growth rate.

Large-Scale Evergreen

Pinus strobus White pine: Habit and size: Tree; 26 ft in 22 yrs, 79 ft in 75 yrs; Light: Full sun; Soil Moisture: Average; Soil pH: 4-7; Comments: Medium hardiness, medium soil demands, medium growth rate.