Protecting trees from snow is crucial to ensure they recover with vigor in the spring.
Winter weather can be intense. Below-freezing temperatures, ice, snow, and low wind chill can cause real injuries and damage to your property, and trees are no exception. Trees are living plants, and depending on their health and how much winter prep has been done to them, they can fall victim to the brutal cold of winter. Protecting trees from snow is crucial to ensure they recover with vigor in the spring. Read on to learn more!
Which States Are Considered Snowbelt States?
The snowbelt refers to an area in the Midwest United States that experiences high quantities of snow and cold temperatures during the winter due to its proximity to the Great Lakes. These states include New York, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, as well as Maryland and Virginia, most winters. Harford Tree is based in Maryland, so we know all about snow and when you should be ready to take care of your trees this winter.
Tips for Protecting Shrubs and Trees from Snow
Heavy snowfall can create extremely hazardous conditions for trees. Knowing how to protect trees from heavy snow could help ensure that your trees survive in the winter and continue their life spans into the spring. Here are a couple of tips to avoid snow damage on shrubs and trees:
- If required and possible to be done safely, brush the heavy snow gently to avoid any breakage.
- Install trunk guards before snowfall to prevent rodents from chewing on the bark under the snowline.
- Avoid piling snow on the shrubs when removing it from driveways and walkways.
- Critters start browsing trees more often during a heavy snowstorm. Deer repellants or rabbit fencing can help protect the trees and shrubs from any animal damage.
How to Protect Smaller Trees from Heavy Snow
Small and young trees are a lot more likely to be damaged from heavy snowfall since their limbs are not able to hold as much weight as a bigger or more mature tree. One way to make sure your small trees are protected during the winter is to wrap them up in burlap sacks for the season. Wrapping small and younger trees in burlap sacks and tying them with twine protects them from any dry winter winds, snow loads, sunscald, and salts. As a plus, burlap sacks can keep animals like rabbits or deer from eating the shrubbery from your trees. Burlap sacks should be removed after the winter’s last frost.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.