Sun scoops

A sun scoop or sun trap is a permaculture landscape design similar to a hedgerow intended to create microclimates. Shrubs and trees are planted in a parabolic or horseshoe shape with the ends facing sunward. Various tree and shrubs species are chosen partly based on how high they grow, with the lowest shrubs toward the ends gradually rising until the highest trees at the peak of the arc. This creates a windbreak, allowing for a warmer microclimate inside the "scoop".