A strong wind can turn a peaceful backyard into a whirlwind of flying chairs, toppled planters, and frustrated sighs. A well-placed windbreak, however, can shield your space from gusty surprises while adding beauty and privacy. The right trees will not only block wind but also offer shade, shelter for wildlife, and a boost to your landscape’s charm. Whether you are looking for fast-growing options or long-lasting giants, here are 25 fantastic trees to create a sturdy, natural barrier.
1. Eastern Red Cedar
This tough-as-nails evergreen is a backyard warrior, standing strong against harsh winds while providing excellent privacy. It thrives in various soil types and grows dense, making it an ideal windbreak tree. Plus, it produces berry-like cones that birds love, so you get a wind barrier and a birdwatching bonus.
2. Leyland Cypress
If patience is not your virtue, this fast-growing cypress is your new best friend. Reaching 50 feet tall in no time, it forms a thick, green wall that stops wind in its tracks. It thrives in mild climates and provides an elegant, soft-textured look to any backyard windbreak.
3. American Arborvitae
These evergreens form a lush, dense hedge that makes your backyard feel like a private retreat. They are low-maintenance and tolerate cold climates, making them a favorite for windbreaks up north. Deer, however, might find them irresistible, so consider some protection if they roam your area.
4. White Spruce
With sturdy branches and thick needles, white spruce is a wind-blocking powerhouse. It grows up to 60 feet tall and stands up to cold winters like a champ. The cones also add a classic woodland touch, and the pleasant scent makes backyard strolls all the more enjoyable.
5. Norway Spruce
If you need a rapid-growing evergreen that can take on gusty conditions, Norway spruce has your back. It grows about two feet per year and forms a dense barrier against strong winds. Plus, its symmetrical shape and deep green color make it a beautiful addition to any landscape.
6. Blue Spruce
Known for its striking blue-green needles, this spruce provides year-round beauty while keeping your backyard protected. It is tough against wind, drought, and pests, making it a reliable choice. Just make sure to give it space, as it can grow up to 75 feet tall.
7. Douglas Fir
This towering evergreen is a go-to for windbreaks thanks to its rapid growth and sturdy branches. It thrives in various climates and holds its own against powerful gusts. Plus, its soft needles give it a feathery, graceful appearance that stands out in any landscape.
8. Austrian Pine
With its rugged look and hardy nature, Austrian pine is the ideal tree for handling wind and poor soil conditions. It grows in a classic conical shape and reaches up to 60 feet tall, providing solid coverage for backyard protection.
9. Black Locust
This hardy tree is an excellent windbreak option due to its fast growth, strong wood, and deep root system that helps prevent erosion. It thrives in poor soils, fixes nitrogen, and withstands strong winds better than many pines. Plus, its fragrant spring flowers attract pollinators, making it a great multi-purpose addition to your backyard.
10. Scotch Pine
Scotch pine is a reliable windbreak tree with attractive orange bark and strong, spreading branches. It thrives in various soil conditions and provides year-round coverage. This pine is particularly resilient against storms, making it a great choice for exposed backyards.
11. Bald Cypress
If your backyard tends to get soggy, bald cypress is a game-changer. It thrives in wet conditions and still stands tall against strong winds. The feathery green needles turn a beautiful orange in fall, adding seasonal interest to your landscape.
12. Black Hills Spruce
A more compact version of the white spruce, this tree is excellent for smaller yards that still need wind protection. It is incredibly cold-hardy and resistant to pests, making it a low-maintenance yet highly effective windbreak option.
13. Serbian Spruce
If elegance and wind resistance had a love child, it would be the Serbian spruce. With its graceful, slightly drooping branches and dark green needles, it offers beauty and function. It is also adaptable and can handle various soil conditions.
14. Hybrid Poplar
This tree is the speedster of windbreaks, growing up to eight feet per year. If you need a quick fix for blocking wind, hybrid poplar is your best bet. Keep in mind that it has a shorter lifespan than some other options, but its rapid growth makes up for it.
15. Quaking Aspen
Named for the way its leaves shimmer in the breeze, quaking aspen is both functional and charming. It spreads quickly to form a dense wind barrier and thrives in a variety of conditions. Plus, the golden fall foliage is an added perk.
16. Lombardy Poplar
This slim, towering poplar is great for lining driveways or creating a fast-growing wind barrier. It grows up to 10 feet per year but has a relatively short lifespan. However, its vertical shape makes it a unique and effective windbreak option.
17. Green Giant Arborvitae
If you want a lush, green privacy screen that blocks wind, this fast-growing evergreen is perfect. It resists pests and diseases while growing up to three feet per year, making it one of the best choices for backyard windbreaks.
18. Canadian Hemlock
A versatile and graceful evergreen, Canadian hemlock creates a soft, dense windbreak. It grows well in shaded areas and can be pruned into a formal hedge or left to grow naturally into a towering barrier. It also thrives in various soil types, making it a flexible choice for many landscapes.
19. Rocky Mountain Juniper
This drought-resistant tree is a great choice for dry regions. Its dense, compact growth makes it an excellent windbreak, and the blue-green foliage adds a unique look to your backyard. It also produces small berry-like cones that birds absolutely love.
20. Red Maple
Looking for a windbreak that brings spectacular fall color? Red maple does just that while providing strong wind resistance. It is adaptable to various soil types and grows quickly, making it a favorite among homeowners. The vibrant red foliage in autumn is a definite showstopper.
21. Sugar Maple
Famous for its brilliant fall foliage and syrup production, sugar maple is also a strong windbreak option. It is sturdy, long-lived, and adds classic charm to any backyard. The dense canopy provides excellent coverage against strong winds while offering great shade.
22. Bur Oak
This massive, long-lived oak provides excellent wind protection with its wide canopy and deep root system. It is also highly drought-resistant, making it a great choice for low-maintenance landscaping. Its strong, sturdy branches ensure long-lasting backyard protection.
23. Northern Red Oak
Fast-growing and resilient, this oak tree forms a strong, dense barrier against wind. It is also a favorite for wildlife, providing acorns for birds and squirrels while adding shade to your yard. Its striking red foliage in fall makes it an all-season beauty.
24. Pin Oak
Known for its unique branching structure, pin oak is a strong, attractive windbreak tree. It tolerates various soil types and has a striking red fall color that makes it a standout in any landscape. It also grows relatively fast, making it an effective wind buffer.
25. Eastern Redbud
While primarily known for its striking pink flowers in spring, this small but sturdy tree also works well in a windbreak when planted in a mixed row. It thrives in a variety of soil conditions, offers excellent seasonal interest, and provides a dense structure that helps slow wind while supporting birds and pollinators.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.