Winter brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also brings challenges, particularly when it comes to managing snow build-up. For homeowners with gardens, lawns, and delicate landscaping features, heavy snow and ice accumulation can cause damage to plants, trees, and hardscapes. The good news is that with a little foresight and the right techniques, you can prevent landscape damage while managing snow effectively.
Here’s how you can handle snow build-up without damaging your landscape:
1. Avoid Salt and Chemical De-Icers
One of the most common ways to deal with snow and ice is by using salt or chemical de-icers. While effective, they can be harmful to plants, soil, and nearby water sources. The salt can burn plant roots, discolor your lawn, and even contaminate water runoff.
Tip: Opt for environmentally friendly alternatives, like sand, ash, or kitty litter, which provide traction without posing harm to your plants or grass. If you must use salt, apply it sparingly and in areas where it won’t come into contact with your garden beds or grass.
2. Shovel Early and Often
Shoveling snow as soon as possible is a great way to prevent the build-up of heavy snow layers that can damage delicate plants or create ice layers that are hard to remove later. The longer snow stays on your landscape, the more pressure it exerts on branches and shrubs, which can cause breakage.
Tip: When shoveling, use a plastic or rubber-tipped shovel to avoid damaging your grass or hardscape. Start with light snowfalls and work your way through the season to minimize snow accumulation and reduce the risk of snow becoming too heavy.
3. Use Snow Fencing for Strategic Snow Management
If you have ornamental plants or specific areas in your yard you want to protect, consider using snow fences. These fences work by controlling where snow drifts and accumulates. Placing them strategically can direct snow away from your garden beds and prevent the formation of snow piles that could smother plants.
Tip: Install snow fences in areas where snow build-up is common. Make sure they are high enough to catch blowing snow without causing excessive drifts near your home or driveway.
4. Trim Trees and Shrubs Before Winter
Pruning trees and shrubs before the first snowfall reduces the risk of branches snapping under the weight of accumulated snow and ice. This is especially important for trees with brittle branches or those prone to breaking when loaded with heavy snow.
Tip: Focus on cutting back weak, dead, or damaged branches before the winter season. This not only helps protect the tree but also improves its shape and health for the upcoming growing season.
5. Create Snow Barriers Around Delicate Plants
If you have tender plants or delicate flowers in your landscape, one way to protect them from the harsh effects of snow is by using snow barriers. These barriers can take the form of burlap screens or snow fences. These help redirect the snow from settling directly on your plants, reducing their risk of frost damage or crushing.
Tip: Install barriers around your most delicate plants, especially in areas where snow drifts tend to accumulate. Be sure to leave space between the plants and the barrier to allow airflow and avoid mold or rot.
6. Consider the Temperature and Timing of Snow Removal
When removing snow, timing is everything. If you wait until the snow has melted and refrozen into ice, it can become much harder to remove, and the weight can be damaging to the underlying grass. Conversely, removing snow too early can disturb newly planted plants or mulch.
Tip: Aim to remove snow when it is still fresh and fluffy, before it compacts into ice. When removing snow, try not to disturb the soil or plant roots. For areas where the snow is very heavy, use a snow blower instead of a shovel to avoid damaging fragile areas.
7. Protect Your Lawn with a Snow Cover
While too much snow can smother grass, a thin layer of snow acts as an insulating blanket. It helps protect the lawn from freezing temperatures and provides moisture as it melts. If your lawn doesn’t have a natural snow cover, you can use straw or other light mulch as a temporary cover to prevent damage from frost.
Tip: Keep an eye on the forecast for a sudden deep freeze and add mulch or straw to vulnerable areas in advance. Make sure the layer is light and doesn’t suffocate the grass.
8. Rethink Snow Plowing Methods
If you hire a snow removal service, make sure they are aware of the layout of your landscape and are careful to avoid causing damage. Using a plow that scrapes too deeply can harm your lawn, driveway, or even your garden beds.
Tip: Talk to your snow plowing service about your landscape’s needs. Ask them to adjust their plowing routes to avoid garden areas, delicate shrubs, or trees. You can also use markers or flags to help guide them.
9. Protect Hardscapes and Walkways
While your plants need protection, your hardscapes, like walkways and driveways, also require attention. Salt and de-icing chemicals can degrade the materials over time, especially concrete, stone, or pavers. To avoid this, opt for non-corrosive options or shovel and remove the snow manually before it turns to ice.
Tip: Consider using rubber mats or heated cables under walkways and driveways to keep them free from ice and snow without using damaging chemicals.
10. Allow for Snow to Melt Naturally When Possible
Lastly, when it comes to snow management, sometimes the best option is to let nature take its course. If your landscape isn’t under heavy strain from large amounts of snow, allow the snow to melt on its own. This can help prevent unnecessary disruption to the ground beneath it and give your plants a chance to thaw gradually.
Tip: Avoid walking on snow-covered areas of your lawn or garden when possible. Foot traffic can crush plants and compact the snow, making it harder for the landscape to recover when the snow finally melts.
Managing snow build-up while protecting your Hamilton landscape is a delicate balance. By following these tips, you can help keep your garden healthy, your trees strong, and your hardscapes intact. A little proactive care can go a long way in ensuring your landscape emerges from the winter season unscathed, ready to thrive in the spring.
