Snow and Ice Removal Tips for Plants, Trees, and Shrubs

Winter is not the time when most people focus on their yards; however, it is a time of year when a lot of damage can happen.  Denison Landscaping wants people to know how to care for plants, trees, and shrubs during the winter.. Winter yard tips include the following:

Continue Watering..Just because it isn’t hot, doesn’t mean that plants don’t need water.  Continue watering until a hard freeze.  A well-hydrated plant has a better chance of survival.

Don’t Shake branches covered with Snow and Ice..It is best to gently brush off snow.  Shaking limbs may break them.  Wait for ice and frozen snow to melt naturally.  If a limb does break, have it removed as soon as weather permits.  It will help the tree or shrub heal better in the spring.

Watch out for Winter Warm Spells..It is normally not a problem if you get a few warm days in the middle of winter; however, if you covered plants with cones or cold frames, you may want to ventilate them during the day and cover them again at night.

Prune..Late winter is a good time to prune and shape ornamental trees and roses.

Another thing to think about in the winter is the use of salt or melting agents for snow and ice.  It can damage plants and trees by drawing water away from their roots.

Evergreen trees are particularly sensitive to salt.  Look for brown needles or leaves on trees and shrubs; they are signs of damage.  Building barriers to protect the plants from runoff and adding more sand and gravel to the salt mix will help minimize damage.

For more Tips or to answer questions please contact us at 301-567-0210.