WILL HEAVY SNOW

IN PITTSBURGH

KILL MY

PLANTS

Keep reading for more insight on how snow can actually be beneficial!

As winter settles in, temperatures  stay below freezing, and occasional snowstorms grace the area. Amidst the chill, you might question how this cold and heavy snow could possibly be good for your garden.

SNOW AS A  WINTER MULCH

– Prevents soil erosion, offering  crucial protection especially in windy  or rainy areas.

– Acts as insulation against harsh winds and minimizes freeze-thaw effects.

SNOW'S  INSULATING ROLE

– Benefits newly planted seeds like grass, shielding them from extreme cold until optimal germination conditions.

– Trapped air between snowflakes acts as a buffer, protecting plants and seeds.

HEAVY SNOW  ON PLANTS

– Snow's weight may bend branches temporarily, but plants typically recover their form after melting.

– Despite concerns, most garden plants are adapted to withstand heavy snow.

SNOW AND  PLANT RESILIENCE

– Compacted snow can limit soil aeration, potentially harming non-native plant roots, so understanding plant resilience is crucial.

– Different plants have varying levels  of resilience to snow and cold.  For example evergreens are adapted  to bear snow weight, while some  non-native plants may struggle.

REMOVING  EXCESS SNOW

Tips: Gently brush off heavy snow, use stakes for support, add mulch for root insulation, water plants before snowfall, and cover delicate plants.

If you can’t help yourself and you feel you have to remove the snow and  “save your plants”, do so slowly and when temperatures are not bitterly cold. Colder air increases the risk of branches snapping, counteracting your efforts to help your shrubs.

PREVENTING WINTER DAMAGE

– Snow mounds can attract resource-starved animals, causing foliage harm.

– Avoid stacking snow on or around plant material to prevent extra weight and potential damage.

Remember, while winter persists, appreciate the changing seasons; your shrubs will endure. Embrace the beauty of winter and avoid adding extra snow weight to your plants, ensuring their survival through the season.  Still uneasy about the chill of winter and your landscape? Eichenlaub is your single source for addressing  all your landscape needs.