You need to determine the predominate direction winter winds originate from in your area and then block or somehow otherwise protect vulnerable plants that may be located in their path. In the northern hemisphere, winds generally originate from one direction in winter and from the opposite direction in summer......has to do with the location of the jet stream. Your local weather authority should have information on seasonal winds specific to your area available for you.

When you look at your wooded area - are the trees generally growing straight up? Or do all the tops look as if they're leaning in one direction? (That's known as 'wind shear' where the prevailing wind is so persistent it affects long-term plant growth. You can often see it in coastal areas and in mountainous areas.)

If your trees are straight up and down then wind may not be a big problem in your yard.

Over winter - there'll be at least one direction the wind blows that will bring rain/snow. And there'll be another that, because of your local topography, will be cold, brisk, and dry. If you are on the south side of a mountain range, for example, the clouds have to rise like a plane to get over the hills - and they dump the rain on the north side - not on your side. What you'll get is a cold, dry and drying wind picking up more water on the warmer side of the hill.

When you're planting your young tree check out ways to give it support with stakes.

Choose a windbreak that filters the strong winds without actually blocking it. A solid structure such as a fence or building can often set up cold swirly air currents that can be almost as pesky as the original wind. You can get this filter effect with plantings and openwork fencing - palings, brush, trellis, for example.