Snow fences, such an integral part of a mid-western highway plan, sometimes appear as natural parts of the landscape. In this prairie view, the fence is used to control blowing snow along an interstate highway. The driving winter wind creates massive snow drifts, covering highways in a short period of time. On these treeless wide open spaces, the snow fence is the only barrier.
The departments of transportation of many states are working with property owners to design and construct living snow fences to control blowing snow. Living snow fences are made up of tree plantings, shrubs and native grasses located along windward edge of roads and highways. Attracting wildlife, the living snow fence can make a wonderful addition to a treeless prairie.