ZLV Online

Abstract

The article analyzes conditions and functionality of the temperate windbreak in the southeast of the Czech Republic in the cadastral area of Hrušky village. Two windbreaks with a total length of about 4.5 km, representing about 45% of the length of all windbreaks established in the cadastral territory in the 1960s, were selected for our investigation. For the purpose of the field research, both windbreaks were further divided into two parts and then, according to their structure, health condition and function, into sub-segments. In total, 85 segments were distinguished. Detected width of windbreak ranged from 7 to 39 m. In the windbreak tree species composition, common oak predominated with 35%, followed by maple ash (22%) and black poplar (16%). There was also a lower proportion of field elm (12%), black walnut (8%) and small-leaved linden (6%). Height of the windbreak depended on the tree species composition and ranged from 2 to 31.5 m. Function and health condition of the windbreak is limited by insufficient stand care. Thinning treatments specified for concrete segments can be recommended. Partial or complete reconstructions can be suggested in the places with unsatisfactory tree structure component and especially with a high proportion of maple ash.