Inland Northwest Gardening

December 27
Garden? What garden? If I had one it’s now buried under nearly 3 feet of snow. The most we have seen on the ground at one time in the 30 years we’ve lived on our property. It started on Wednesday morning, December 17 and didn’t stop until 4 pm the following day - 23 inches. On Sunday Dec. 21 another 8 inches and Christmas Eve another 8. Last night 5 inches of wet snow.  Do the math; 44 inches.

Needless to say, everything in the garden is now flattened. The trees were carrying a pretty good load of snow but the warmer weather today helped them lose most of it without much damage. 

That may not always be the case with future storms. If we get heavy snows or ice build up on trees, branches will come crashing down in a hurry.

To knock snow off a tree, be gentle. Don’t shake the whole tree. The branches are already under stress and will break if they are wiggled too much. For small trees, gently shake individual branches enough to knock the snow off . If its a large tree and you can reach the branches with a long pole, tap them enough to knock the snow off. Don’t try to straighten up bent over trees or sapling. wait until spring and things thaw out. It is likely the tree will straighten up on its own. 

If you should lose a branch in a tree you can reach, carefully cut the broken part off with a saw. It will look ragged but wait until late winter or early spring to clean up the wound or have an ISA certified professional take care of it. If you can’t reach it safely - call a professional.

Most shrubs that are flattened will spring back when it warms up. You will probably lose a few branches but they can be dealt with in the spring.