Take a load off!

The 30+cm of snow is a welcomed site for any winter enthusiast, but not all plants are happy with the accumulation. The snow load on evergreen shrubs, such as this yew (Taxus spp.), can cause branches to bend outward from the plant and, in some cases snap. Time to gently shake/tap the branches to remove the snow! It is easiest to do this during or immediately after a snowfall, when the snow is at it's 'fluffiest' and when it will dislodge from the plant with very little effort.

Other plants that tend to be prone to damage from snow loads include pyramidal varieties of junipers (Juniperus spp.), cedars (Thuja spp.) and boxwood (Buxus spp.). With that said, it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on your other evergreens too!

All bundled up and ready for the snow to fly...

Broadleaf evergreens (boxwood) and mophead hydrangeas (H. macrophylla) two plants that I was reluctant to leave exposed to the harsh exposed winter conditions that they will experience in their home next to Lake Ontario. The drying winds combined with frozen ground (therefore unavailable water!) can leave boxwood descicated come Spring. Additionally, these particular hydrangeas bloom on old wood- that means, if their buds succumb to the winter conditions, then we can say goodbye to the 2015 blooms! Yikes!

While the burlap will not increase temperatures, it will reduce air movement around the plants and therefore decrease the drying effect of the wind on leaves and buds. Let's keep our fingers crossed!