LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

The goal of the LEAF Network is to connect people with the benefits of edible trees, and to connect edible trees with the stewardship of people.

Wind

Click Here for a PDF of Wind, including the wind tables below

Forceful winds can dry out air, trees and soil. At your site, are there particularly strong winds? What direction do they blow from? How do winds affect your trees and your own comfort?

Winds can be created by climate patterns, by the effects of mountains, and by local constrictions in canyons and even between buildings. Signs of strong, persistent winds can be seen in permanently wind-shaped trees. The prevailing wind directions in your area are the directions wind comes from with the highest percent of frequency, monthly and annually. The table Prevailing Wind Directions around Arizona, Monthly and Annual, shows wind patterns for selected wind gaging locations in Arizona.

To deflect and dissipate strong winds, plant hardy native edible trees as windbreaks upwind of buildings and sites. Plant more sensitive fruit trees downwind of hardy native trees and buildings in order to protect them from strong winds. Do not plant tender trees in locations where winds are concentrated such as in canyons or between buildings.

Climate change may bring stronger winds and more intense storms that could damage and uproot trees. Tree-care strategies to protect against winds include trimming dead branches regularly and moving water supplies farther out from tree trunks to encourage wider root growth and stronger anchoring of the trees.

Arizona cypress trees make an excellent windbreak when they are planted close together. Note the consistent tilt of the trees toward the right (downwind) due to the force of the prevailing wind. 

CAUTION: Never eat anything that is not properly identified. It is your responsibility to ensure that all fruits, nuts, seeds, pods and other edible products of trees and shrubs are correctly identified and safe to eat before eating them or serving them to others.

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

70 S Val Vista Drive, Suite A3-186, Gilbert, AZ 85296

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.