When to Brush Snow Off Your Plants: A Guide to Winter Plant Care
Even in mild climates, winter storms can wreak havoc on your garden, especially when it comes to snow and ice. While some plants may benefit from a light dusting of snow, heavy snowfall can cause significant damage, leaving you with a garden that looks like a winter wonderland turned upside down. So, when should you brush snow off your plants, and when should you leave it be? Let's explore the dos and don'ts of snow removal for your garden.
The Snow Insulator
Contrary to popular belief, snow can actually act as an insulator, protecting plants from the cold. Tim Johnson, senior director of horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Garden, explains, "Snow cover is a good insulator from cold temperatures." However, the real concern arises when heavy snow and ice accumulate, especially on trees and shrubs.
When to Remove Snow
For most herbaceous perennials, heavy snow and ice are not a cause for concern. They can handle the weight and bounce back in the spring. But for trees and shrubs, the story is different. Colin Kirk, the Marjorie G. Rosen manager of outdoor gardens at the New York Botanical Garden, advises, "For evergreens, you might want to remove the weight after snow events."
The risk of damage also varies depending on the plant. Smaller trees, such as Bradford pears, are more susceptible to snow damage due to their weaker structure. Steven Engel, regional account manager for PanAmerican Seed, notes, "These trees and shrubs tend to be weaker and collect more snow, causing the branches to bend more and break more easily."
Freezing Rain and Ice: Nature's Call
When it comes to freezing rain and ice, you're at the mercy of nature. Johnson warns, "If snow or ice has already frozen onto the plant, you should not try to remove it." Attempting to knock off the ice can cause further damage to the branches and buds. It's best to let nature take its course.
Perennials: Flat but Fine
Perennials are generally resilient and can withstand being smashed flat. Kirk suggests, "Even if they're smashed flat, they should be fine when spring arrives."
However, if you've left certain plants standing for winter interest, such as coneflowers or ornamental grasses, and they've splayed all over, you might want to prune them back after the storm for aesthetic reasons.
Susceptible Plants: Gentle Care
Some plants are more prone to being flattened, such as globe-shaped shrubs like arborvitae, topiaries, or formal sheared hedges of boxwoods or privets. For these plants, gently brushing snow off is essential to prevent damage. Kirk explains, "The weight of snow can break branches that will create holes in the overall form."
Protective Measures
If you consistently face issues with certain plants, consider using rigid protective shrub guards, which are A-frame-shaped cedar covers that shelter the plant and can be used for many years. Soft-sided shrub covers are not effective in preventing snow damage.
Tying up the branches of multi-stemmed shrubs, such as arborvitae, can also help prevent storm damage by reducing the risk of splitting in heavy snows.
Recovery and Resilience
Plants are more resilient than we think. Even severely damaged trees and shrubs can recover with time. Kirk advises, "Remove any damaged branches, then give the plant time to recover."
With minor pruning to remove damaged branches, a plant may look awkward for a year or so but should recover by year three. Alternatively, redirecting new growth or tying up branches can help cover holes from broken branches.
Expert Help for Trees
For medium to large trees damaged by a storm, it's best to consult a certified arborist. Johnson emphasizes, "It's not worth attempting to deal with them yourself due to the risk of falling limbs or climbing a ladder with a saw."
When to Let Go
Sometimes, even the hardiest plants don't make a comeback. If it's early summer and the plant hasn't shown signs of new growth or looks severely damaged, it might be time to remove it. Johnson encourages, "Consider it an opportunity, not a loss." After all, a garden is a continuous journey of growth and renewal.
