mix of perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs in a sunny garden - Photos By R A Kearton/Getty Images ...

If you don't have the time or space to establish a tree or shrub windbreak, ornamental grasses can be a faster, but still functional alternative. Specifically, use tall, stiff perennial grasses ...

In addition, cutting the grasses back too early in the fall might stimulate the plants to start growing again. Cool season ornamental grasses such as pampas grass, perennial fountain grasses ...