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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Feb 19, 2015 12:38:42 GMT -5
I'm not sure this question falls in this category, but I think it's close enough.
Given the extremely cold weather we've had here in Michigan (as I know others elsewhere have had also), I've been wondering what changes I can make when spring and summer arrive to provide more weather protection.
First, my house is old, has insufficient insulation, but even with the (preferred contactor) targeted upgrading assistance by local energy companies, whole house insulation is just not in the budget, especially since I don't plan to stay in this house or in this community on a long term basis. Additionally, this area hasn't recovered to pre-real estate market crash level so I won't be getting as much in a sale as I would had I sold before 2007.
Second, the South side gets the strong predominant Westerly winds. When the winds get frisky during a snow storm or blizzard, several feet of snow end up snuggled against the South wall. Even though that provides some insulation at the base, I'm wondering what I could do to provide more protection up higher, toward the kitchen window, other than build some kind of diverting structure which could block some of the winds and redirect them toward the back yard.
I could put up perennial vines such as clematis, but I'm wondering if the winter winds would destroy them. I think silver lace vine is pretty hardy (and very aggressive), but I don't know if it even retains its leaves over winter.
It would take too long for evergreens or shrubs to grow, although I could try an aggressive grower but work hard to keep it in check.
The West side gets the full-on attack by hostile winter winds, so that's another concern. I've even been thinking of putting up a snow fence, but it would block visibility.
Anyone face similar issues? How did you address and/or resolve them? Any suggestions? I don't want to endure another bitter winter like this one without more protection than I have now.
I should probably add that my lot is 51' wide x 287' deep, with narrow setbacks on the S and N sides. The area by the kitchen that I want to protect is about 3' deep and 5' long. There's not a lot of room for large plants such as the thick evergreens I would love to have.
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Post by gakaren on Feb 20, 2015 10:20:17 GMT -5
I think you should talk to your local county extension agent and/or an "old" master gardener in the area. Even an "old" farmer might have some good tips for you too.
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Post by Mumsey on Feb 26, 2015 17:59:23 GMT -5
We planted Arbortivae on the north and west corner to protect things some. We don't get the drifts we used to get. Then a cedar fence between garage and house to eliminate snow drifts across the driveway. Wouldn't you know it? The 2 big recent storms have had south and east winds! Plans foiled.
We put in 2 trees on south side of driveway to eventually shade the house.
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Post by SpringRain🕊️ on Mar 1, 2015 13:50:15 GMT -5
Thanks to both of your for your suggestions.
Karen, I had forgotten that in my father is an old gardener and farmer, whose family farmed before they even had central heat in the house and who used to pile up snow against the house foundation as "insulation." Sometimes advice is as close as family! We also do have a good extension service with a charming site, at which an annual open house/small fair and animal display has been held. It's one of those sites that is so soothing and relaxing it's like a vacation to another era. Guess I'll have to spend some time wandering around there again this year!
Mumsey, I've been thinking about your own adaptations and figured out a way I could use my arborvitae as windbreaks, even though they're probably close to about 15' tall now. The trimmings could be sprouted to produce more little baby arborvitae and the bases could be transplanted.
What kind of trees did you plant on the south side for shade?
I've also been looking through gardening magazines to get ideas, and think the idea of some trellises, especially in containers, might be another option. Although ivy is so aggressive, I might be able to keep it in bound and as a winter insulator if limited to a container and trellis.
This would also allow me to move it to another side if we have another winter in which prevailing winds change their direction, as they did in your area.
On an aside, I'm now forced to spend more time looking through gardening magazines as I've just discovered the stash I had from the early 90's when I was corresponding with a British gardener who sent me gardening newsletters and a few magazines. and of course I must review everything before deciding whether or not to keep it. ;)
It's very interesting to read about practical English gardening tips. These magazines range from the kind of helpful growing tips to the wonderful English approach to utilizing every adaptable space and to enhancing the garden as most people would decorate their yards.
My sigh and gasp quotient as I explored these magazines was equal to that of a whole month!
Thanks again for your suggestions.
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Post by Latitude33 on Jun 6, 2015 10:16:08 GMT -5
Fascinating question and landscape premise. Always best to work with the natural elements in mind rather than in opposition. Locally, landscape attitudes are slowly shifting. Most prevalent is the availability of a greater variety of natives and other drought tolerant materials.
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Post by Mumsey on Jun 15, 2015 17:39:06 GMT -5
Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. We put Red Sunset Maple on the south side of the driveway, 7 yrs ago now. They are a slower grower but seems they have picked up speed this year. They are easily 20 feet tall and should reach 50. Lots of raking in my future....
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Post by binnylou on Mar 23, 2018 12:10:57 GMT -5
This photo was taken standing in between the two rows of Norway Spruce. Our property is a corner lot, so we planted spruce on both side, providing wind protection from the north and west winds. The trees are 40+ years old and starting to show their age, shedding lower branches. I've been working on removing the dead lower branches, but have a long way to go. This is the north side of the property. Looking west at sundown provides some beautiful tree filtered sunsets. The trees have been real workhorses...providing protection from wind, dust, and snow. up load photos
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Post by binnylou on Mar 23, 2018 12:19:23 GMT -5
I forgot to add to my previous post:
The soil beneath these trees is absolutely beautiful...rich black soil.
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Post by desertwoman on Mar 23, 2018 12:40:50 GMT -5
Bless our tree friends. That must be so beautiful to see sunsets through those.
Do you ever harvest any of that soil?
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Post by binnylou on Mar 23, 2018 12:59:57 GMT -5
Do you ever harvest any of that soil? I've been thinking about that.
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