Wind Break/Overspray Barrier - Ask Extension
We recently moved into a 20 acre farm property (15 acres currently used for hay and the remainder for the home, outbuildings and horse pastures) that ...
Knowledgebase
Wind Break/Overspray Barrier #924369
Asked February 09, 2026, 1:18 PM EST
We recently moved into a 20 acre farm property (15 acres currently used for hay and the remainder for the home, outbuildings and horse pastures) that is adjacent to a corn/soybean field. We are looking to have a hobby farm focusing on organic fruits and vegetables, an apiary and small domestic animals such as goats/alpaca for fiber. We would like to put in a windbreak/overspray barrier to minimize wind and drifting snow as well as create a barrier between ours and the adjacent fields. What would be the best plants that would create native pollinator habitat, good sources of pollen and nectar for honey bees, and wind protection? Bonus if it looks pretty.
Muskegon County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Jason,
Here is a list of pollinator supportive trees and shrubs for farm and orchard windbreaks.
For your hobby farming endeavors, you may be interested in our Beginning Farmer Resource and Decision-Making Guide, which has many resources and information on getting started.
