Gardening Tips for Winter Snow Storms

Winter snow storms can cause significant damage to your yard and garden. Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can prepare your outdoor spaces for winter storms and prevent costly damage. Here are some ways you can get your property ready to handle the next winter snow storm:

Inspect for Weak or Dead Limbs

One major cause of landscape damage during snowstorms is falling branches and trees. The weight of snow accumulating on already weakened branches or tree bark can cause them to break, damaging not just themselves but whatever lies below. To help avoid this, check the trees on your property thoroughly beforehand. Remove dead limbs you can find and consider consulting a professional arborist for a closer look.

Protect Tender Plants

Cold winds and snow can damage or kill off the more tender plants in your yard if not properly protected. Covering plants with burlap is a simple way to shield them from the wind chill and prevent direct contact from snow and ice. While it might be tempting to use a non-porous material like plastic sheeting, they can suffocate your plants by trapping moisture and blocking airflow. Use a woven material or specially crafted plant tarps to protect your tender plants from harsh winter snows.

Hold the Salt

Salt is an extremely effective substance for melting snow and ice but can damage your plants. If you use salt to de-ice too close to your garden, you risk absorbing precious moisture from the soil those plants need for sustenance.

Luckily, there are plenty of other de-icers that don't cause harm to your plants. Try calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) in either liquid or granule form to melt the ice without bothering your trees and shrubs.

If you've put a lot of time and effort into your landscaping, the last thing you want is to let a snowstorm ruin your hard work. However, by taking these steps, you'll help prevent damage and ensure a healthier yard no matter the storms to come.