As in all the Plains states, in Iowa the first windbreaks were of the quicker growing species of trees. Cottonwoods, boxelders, willows and silver maples were heavy favorites several decades ago when farm homes began to dot the prairies, but after a few years when these trees began to lose what little ability they did have in wind protection, the Iowa farmers considered trees o£ more lasting qualities and more ability to check and effectively block the bitter winds of winter.