Woody plants in heavy snow.....................Carol Ann Harlos

Woody plants in heavy snow How you can help them survive

CAROL ANN HARLOS

During the October Surprise of 2006, you may have heard the horrible sound of trees cracking from the weight of snow on branches and unshed leaves. Recent snowstorms in WNY inflicted snow and wind damage on woody plants. For the future, what can the garden/caretaker do to minimize damage?

First, remember that a light snow covering does not present a problem. Light snow is airy and protective, but too much snow weight can push branches all the way to the ground. (In an ideal world we would all be outside with brushes stopping the accumulation of snow!) While it is appalling to witness bent and broken trees or shrubs, do not yank the branches hoping to release them from the weight of the snow; this can tear and leave them misshapen. If feasible, use a broom to remove loose snow. Practice patience while waiting School of Buffalo. During his childhood, a giant oak tree tipped over in a snow and windstorm. Neighbors gathered, used ropes to pull it upright, and weighed down the roots with soil. It lived!) Next spring, before deciduous trees and shrubs have leafed out, take a look at their shape. Are there multiple leaders? (Leaders refer to the top of the tree. There should be one main trunk, not several as this leads to a weak tree.) Are branches crisscrossing? Are there areas of dead branches?

for thawing as branches frequently return to their original positions. If they don’t, at least you have not made matters worse.

This winter, it was sometimes difficult to find somewhere to move the accumulated snow. As much as possible, move dense snow away from your trees and shrubs to prevent further damage. Tree knocked over? As soon as possible, get help to upright it so exposed roots don’t die. (I still remember Governor Mario Como talking about teamwork to our students at the Science Magnet

Ask a certified arborist for advice if you are uncomfortable making pruning decisions. It is better to pay a professional than to lose a treasured tree or shrub or to prune incorrectly. From personal experience, I can say it’s often safer as well. I have arborist training from classes but I am not capable of climbing trees to prune them!

The rest of the year should be regarded as a time to get trees and shrubs ready for winter. Doing new plantings? Choose indigenous shrubs and trees as they have a better chance of survival over the seasons. Learn what to expect from a tree as it matures. Trees with dense canopies (upper layer of a tree) don’t do as well in heavy snow as those with wide branching because they can be pushed over by the wind. Conifers with a naturally occurring pyramid shape tend to have leaders pushed downward by accumulating snow, which can potentially damage them.

Plant trees and shrubs properly. Keep them watered until frost; this keeps roots growing downward and stronger. Near the surface, they are more likely to experience temperature, wind, and drying.

Take care of your trees and shrubs. Treat them well and they will do the rest. FY

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Carol Ann Harlos is an awardwinning retired math and science teacher, Master Gardener, beekeeper, writer, and speaker. She tends extensive gardens, including herbs, and loves learning from others and sharing her knowledge. Send gardening questions and comments to caharlos@verizon.net.