I am new to permaculture, currently taking a design course. I live in CO at 8800 feet and am looking for some suggestions on what to do with the north side of my house. It's always very cold in that room. We lost 2 pines due to wind over the last few years which used to help with wind and some insulation. Does anyone have a suggestion of what to do around that part of the house? Trees take a while to grow, not to mention create a fire ladder to the house. Any ideas?
You could consider creating a large berm on that side of the house for protection, and maybe some hardy spruce varieties.
When all the trees have been cut down,
when all the animals have been hunted,
when all the waters are polluted,
when all the air is unsafe to breathe,
only then will you discover you cannot eat money.
Mother Earth News published a passive solar heating design for just one room many years ago. It didn't block the window and it looked very simple to construct. It's one of those things I have always meant to try but since I live in a pretty warm area I have never gotten around to it.
Could that be an option for this one room? If you are interested I'll look for the plan - I know it's still out there somewhere.