windbreak, a barrier of vegetation or other materials to break the force of winds and avoid wind stress. The benefits of windbreaks go beyond reducing physical vine damage. A combination of reduced wind force and (in dry atmospheres) the maintenance of higher humidities among the vines reduces closure of the leaf pores (stomata), and therefore enhances potential photosynthesis. Quite substantial yield increases are commonly recorded in the lee of effective windbreaks, amply exceeding any losses that might be incurred through any reduced area of vineyard or shading by the windbreaks.
