when then is it necessary to remove the snow because I suppose the plants and trees are not comfortable with the snow around.
Actually the snow will insulate plants from bitter cold.... And help prevent extreme temp changes ...
I was always told to cover the plants with burlap so they don't sustain damage from the snow, does this method still stand, or have things changed?
You can cover plants in late fall to keep them outside longer, but you have to uncover them to get sunlight..If it is a plant that goes into dormancy covering it will also help it indure large temp swings... Tree bark suffers most from large temp changes, cold freezes over night followed by direct sun during the day, that contraction and expansion if too extreme can damage some trees while their sap is not flowing...
I remove snow off my trees when I feel they are in danger of being permanently damaged. I have eight beautiful Arbor Vitaes in my yard. These trees are evergreen and have a large surface area for the snow to accumulate on. Every time a heavy snow occurs, hundreds of pounds of snow sticks to the branches causing them to bow down several feet till they touch the ground. It makes the trees look horrible and distorts them completely out of shape. As soon as the storm is over and the temp is above freezing I go out with a garden hose and typically spend about an hour hosing off the snow. It takes some time but the trees for the most part return to their normal shape. I suppose if I wasn't around they would probably be fine but I just hate to see them in such pitiful shape.
Removing a snow or ice load is always a good idea... It just isn't always practical, but when you can it sure saves those weaker branches...
I think we have winters with ice & snow, so we will more appreciate getting to mow in the heat of summer... :smile:KennyV
