Effect of wind on the early growth of five tree species planted to form windbreaks in northern Australia

Abstract

The effect of wind on the early growth of five species, Callistemon salignus, Eucalyptus microcorys, E. tessellaris, E. torelliana and Melaleuca armillaris, planted to form windbreaks was examined on two adjacent paddocks on the tropical Atherton Tablelands, Queensland. Trees were grown in various treatments including with and without wind protection using maize Zea mays. Trees of each species leaned over as a result of wind. Tree height and crown growth were significantly reduced by wind. Trees protected for 12 months suffered less wind effect than trees protected for only the first 5 months. E. microcorys appeared to be more susceptible to wind damage than the other species studied. It is suggested that resistance to wind damage should be an important criterion for species selection when forming windbreaks in windy areas. -from Authors