Proper Care: Snow and Ice on Trees and Shrubs

Proper Care: Snow and Ice on Trees and Shrubs

How to Handle Snow and Ice on Trees and Shrubs

Ice and snow are inevitable and so are the ways to mitigate the damage brought by these.

In the garden, though, heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause harm if branches and trunks bend or break. In most cases, snow is very beneficial to your trees and plants in most circumstances. Snow is a fantastic insulator, and it melts in the winter to offer much-needed moisture to the dry plants.

The weight of snow and ice can force limbs to snap or entire trees to fall. How you handle damaged trees after the snow influences their health now and for years to come. When caring for storm-damaged trees and shrubs, keep the following suggestions in mind.

Do’s & Don’ts to Help Your Shrubs

I listed here tips on how to handle snow and ice present on the trees and shrubs in your garden. And also, I indicate here do’s and don'ts in doing so.

Do’s

• Sweep in an upward motion with a broom or your hands, freeing the snow and enabling it to fall. Sweep upwards rather than downwards to avoid breaking a twisted limb. The plant should not be shaken. Because the branches will be brittle and strained, you should try to disrupt them as little as possible.

• Avoid snow buildup. Remove snow every couple of inches of snowfall, instead of waiting for it to be thick, it will mitigate damage to your plants.

• Do prune off damaged branches that you can reach from the ground. As long as they’re the right size for your tools and your level of pruning experience.

• Do water your shrubs If it's a dry and frigid winter. Water your plants if the temperature is high enough in the late morning or midday to warm the soil. This will keep them hydrated and better equipped to handle cold weather in the future.

Don’ts

• Leave the ice alone: this means that do not try to remove the ice, for this will cause the branch to break. Once the ice has formed, just let the ice stand as this will melt eventually.

• Don’t use a ladder to reach broken, hanging, or damaged branches.

• Don’t use a snow shovel near the base of your shrubs, as you can damage snow-covered surface roots or bark with the sharp edges of a shovel.

• Do not shovel snow onto your bushes. If you have the room, stacking snow to the side of your driveway and doorway is the best method to keep your car and residence accessible.

• Do not stand beneath branches that you’re pruning.

• Don't use that brush or rake to beat at your bushes. If you strike your already brittle plants hard enough to knock off snow and ice, you might severely injure them. Brush what you can off – don't beat them.

• Don't prune if you don't know-how. Poor trimming might permanently destroy a good specimen shrub or tree. If in doubt, consult a skilled specialist.

Examine the damage once the snow has melted. If just minor branches and twigs are destroyed, the tree will most likely recover on its own. If many branches are destroyed, the tree may be able to recover with careful trimming and care, as well as time. A licensed tree care specialist can examine the damage and recommend a course of action.

NOTE: If a Street tree has fallen or if limbs are obstructing a road or sidewalk, contact your city's public works department. If you have ice and fallen branches on your property, consult with an expert, certified arborist.

No winter lasts forever, no spring skips its turn. Take it easy and stay cool like a winter day!