How Snow Can Safeguard Your Garden Beds and Protect Your Trees

After a major winter storm, I found myself shoveling snow in freezing temperatures, dumping heaps onto my garden beds to shield my trees, shrubs, and dormant perennials.

In cold climates, the ground can freeze and thaw repeatedly, which can push roots, seeds, bulbs, tubers, and rhizomes out of the soil. Once exposed, these plants are vulnerable to cold, drying winds.

Snow acts as a natural mulch, insulating the soil and preventing heat loss, which keeps soil temperatures stable. As it melts, snow not only waters your garden but also enriches it with nitrogen absorbed from the atmosphere.

This is nature’s way of nurturing itself.

However, the same snow that protects plants can harm evergreen trees like arborvitae and Leyland cypress. When wet snow builds up, its weight can bend, buckle, or even break branches, leading to permanent damage.

To prevent this, gently knock snow off branches using a long-handled broom. I usually do this after the storm but will also check during prolonged snowfalls. It’s better to brave the cold than risk losing expensive trees.

If snow or water freezes into ice, it’s best to leave the branches alone. Trying to remove ice can damage the bark and delicate parts of the plant. We should let it melt naturally.

After clearing snow from driveways and walkways, it’s wise to use rock salt to prevent ice formation. However, choosing the right product can be tricky.

Magnesium chloride is the ideal option, as it dissolves quickly, works in temperatures as low as -10°F, and is less harmful to pets' paws and plants.

While it is the most effective, it’s also the priciest option. If your area is large, consider using it near plants and pets, and opt for calcium chloride in less-trafficked areas.

Calcium chloride is often advertised as safe for pets and plants but can still cause damage. Handle it with gloves and apply it sparingly near your plants.

Avoid using potassium chloride as a deicer, as it can harm plants, while sodium chloride is the cheapest but the worst choice for the environment and can damage cars and wildlife.

When applying any ice-melt product, use the minimal amount necessary to prevent damage to your walkways and driveways. Applying a waterproof sealant during warmer months can help protect against ice-related cracks.