We’ve had a real taste of winter this year here in Northern Illinois, with plenty of snow and some seriously chilly temperatures. You might be wondering, “Is all this snow and cold going to harm my plants?” Well, the answer, like most things in horticulture, is: it depends!
Snow: A Blanket of Protection (Mostly)
Generally, snow cover is actually a good thing for your plants. It acts like a cozy blanket, insulating the soil and protecting plant roots from extreme temperature fluctuations. Think of it as Mother Nature’s way of tucking your plants in for the winter.
However, there can be a downside to all that snow. Rabbits and mice might use the snow cover as a highway to access and nibble on the bark of your trees and shrubs. So, while the snow itself isn’t the problem, it can provide cover for some hungry critters.
Cold: The Real Threat (Sometimes)
When it comes to cold damage, the real threat to your plants is prolonged exposure to extremely low temperatures, especially those that dip well below zero. Different plants have different cold hardiness levels, so some will be more susceptible to damage than others.
For example, certain trees, like Redbud and Japanese Maple trees, can experience wood dieback if temperatures plummet too low. Most evergreens, if properly hydrated in the Fall, have a greater cold tolerance but not necessarily a winter wind tolerance. Proactively deep root watering evergreens in fall, followed by anti-desiccant film applications through the winter, can greatly improve moisture retention and minimize winter burn.
What Can You Do?
While we can’t control the weather, there are some steps you can take to protect your plants during extreme winter conditions:
- Winter Mulch: A thick layer of winter mulch surrounding tender root systems (Roses, Hydrangea, most Perennials) acts like an insulation blanket protecting from drastic freeze/thaw cycles. *Be sure excessive mulch is removed from making contact with stems and branching in early Spring once the threat of winter has passed.
- Wrap: Burlap trunk wrapping can benefit younger or sensitive trees, especially those in areas where deer feeding/rubbing is common. *Be sure the burlap is removed from the trunks in early Spring once the threat of winter has passed.
- Monitor: Keep an eye on the weather forecast and be prepared to take action if extreme cold is predicted.
CPHort is Here to Help
If you’re concerned about the health of your trees and shrubs this winter, or if you’d like to learn more about winter plant care, CPHort is here to help. Our expert team can provide guidance and services to ensure your landscape thrives, even in the harshest winter conditions.
