Evaluating Sunlight and Wind on a Property

How do I track sunlight?

Visit at morning, midday and late afternoon and note which areas are in sun or shade. The sun's path changes through the year, so sketch what you see and revisit in other seasons if you can.

Trees that are bare in winter may shade heavily in summer.

A simple sun map helps: draw a plan view of the property and shade areas for morning, midday and afternoon in different colors. Overlapping areas of full sun are your best garden candidates. Take photographs on the same dates each year from the same spot to create a simple record. Use a free sun path or shade tool only as a supplement; your own observation on the ground still comes first.

• Morning, noon, evening
• Different seasons
• Note leaf cover

How much sun do gardens need?

Many vegetables need substantial direct sun, while some tolerate partial shade. Your extension office can tell you what suits your crops and region.

Place gardens in the sunniest, best-drained area near the house and water.

Note existing buildings, tall trees and hills that will cast shade even when leaves are off. Winter sun is lower, so shade patterns change a lot. Check the shade patterns on the day you plan to plant, not only in the planning stage. Compare conditions at planting time with your map, because a spot that looked sunny in early spring can be shaded by midsummer leaf cover.

• Ask extension for crop needs
• Choose drained ground
• Keep near water and house

How does slope affect sun and cold?

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing slopes generally get more sun. Cold air tends to settle in low spots, which can increase frost risk. Check where frost lingers in spring and fall.

Avoid placing frost-sensitive plants in the lowest spots.

Place a thermometer in several spots if you can. A few readings on a clear, calm night show which areas are coldest and where frost lingers. Look for places where cold air could drain away, since a gap in a fence line can help or hurt. Notice where snow melts first and last in winter, which also shows where sun reaches and where cold pools.

• South slopes warmer
• Low spots collect cold air
• Watch frost patterns

How do I read wind?

Note prevailing wind directions in different seasons and where gusts are strongest. Local weather data and neighbors can help. Watch trees, flags and dust.

Wind affects barn placement, heating, drying and plant stress.

For animals, think about shade in summer and shelter from wind and precipitation in winter. A shelter facing away from prevailing weather often works better than one in an exposed spot. Ask neighbors about the strongest storms and which direction they came from. Look at which way doors and gates face, since a wind that blows straight into a barn door makes winter chores harder and bedding wetter.

• Prevailing directions
• Exposed ridges
• Ask neighbors

How can I use windbreaks and shade?

Windbreaks and shade trees can shelter animals and gardens but take years to grow and need space. Ask extension or your conservation district about suitable species and spacing, and avoid planting near power lines, septic fields or easements.

Existing trees may serve until new ones mature.

For buildings and solar panels, orientation matters. A licensed professional can advise on placement and shading for any energy system. Choose windbreak plants that suit your climate and soil, and ask your conservation district for suggestions. Ask a qualified professional before removing large trees near buildings, since falling limbs and roots are hazards and may be regulated locally.

• Plan for growth
• Ask conservation district
• Avoid lines and fields

How do I record and use observations?

Mark sun, shade, frost pockets and wind on a map of the property. Combine it with the site plan. Photograph conditions on the same dates each year.

Use the map to place gardens, shelters and buildings, and to decide where to plant windbreaks. Store your maps with the site plan and update them as trees grow or buildings change.

• Mark on a map
• Photograph by season
• Use in your site plan

What mistakes do people make judging sun and wind?

They judge from one visit, plant in a hollow that collects frost, put a barn on an exposed ridge or plant windbreaks too close to buildings and lines. Another is forgetting that trees grow.

Observe across seasons, mark findings on a map and ask neighbors what the wind does here.

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Homestead & Small Farm Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.