DIY Windbreaks to make the most of this gusty month.
August is a strange month. Not yet spring, all the worst of winter
Depending on where you live, August is either windy, dry and depressing, or windy, wet and dismal.
There you have our opinions on this month…But we don’t like wallowing in bad weather.
We believe in making your home your haven and DIY-ing until your heart is happy.
Whether it is wet or dry where you live, one thing is true – August is windy! While wind is obviously important for the changing of the seasons, there is no denying the fact that it’s one of the more unpleasant elements.
Wind brings many issues to outdoor life. Dust blowing in, plants getting “wind burn”, wind erosion and obviously braai smoke billowing into your face.
But what can you do about it?
Blustery days can obviously be spent inside, but what if you just want a moment outside? Well, we have the solution.
DIY Windbreaks are easier to construct than you think and even the most rudimentary ones can have a massive impact on your quality of life.
Long term plant based.
Planting a windbreak is a long-term solution. Unless you spend big buck on buying really large trees and shrubs, your windbreak won’t have an immediate effect.
If you are happy to wait, a plant-based windbreak can be a beautiful addition to your home and garden.
For more on windbreaks as landscape features and garden boosters, click here
Construction quick fixes
These are the kinds of windbreaks you can knock together within a weekend and have at full wind-breaking capacity by the next braai.
Whether you want to extend an existing fence, enclose a part of the garden or patio to form a wind shelter or simply want to temporarily protect your garden from the worst that august has to offer, we have the solution for you.
Wood (or wood-like)
If you have access to timber and the skills to construct something from wood, this is one of the most aesthetic types of windbreaks. The benefits of building your own windbreak from scratch is that you have complete design and quality control. You can decide how much resources you want to spend on it, and also adapt it to fit your space and style completely.
If you need a bit of help, you can buy ready-made panels at any of your local DIY centres and simply install them as needed.
Natural (grass/bamboo)
If you are not sold on a wooden windbreak yet and you need some shelter without the commitment of a massive timber project, why not try a bamboo or woven windbreak? This bamboo screen is easy to erect, cost effective and can lessen the impact of unpleasant wind on your chill out time.
Other options include this woven fabric, or this wicker version.
Living bamboo is also an effective option for a plant-based wind break as its self-propagating and fast growing.
Transparent
If you want to block the wind but keep the view, you can DIY a transparent windbreak from sturdy sheets of plastic:
If you are a trained glazier or a “professional” DIY-er, you can also experiment with glass and steel or wooden structures, but this is a bit more labour intensive and not necessarily something for a weekend project.
Hardcore construction
If none of these options blow you away, you should feel free to build, construct and hammer up a windbreak to your hearts content. Whether you build a whole wall, install wind proof fencing, span and drape your entire garden in canvas tarps to block every last gust, we won’t judge.
How to weave your own windbreak
Plant based windbreaks
Too many choices?
Do you still not know which windbreak works for you? No worries! The internet is full of fanciful windbreak inspirations that will allow you to figure it out.
