We have more snow this year than the past several years. And it has remained as snow cover due to the below freezing temperatures. The question is “Will this hurt my plants?
Lakeside – Marblehead, in Northwest Ohio, where I live, has seen more snow this year than we have seen over the past number of years.
After living in Perry, Ohio for 26 years, the heart of the snowbelt in Northeast Ohio, 30 inches of snow was common at least once a year.
These are pictures from winter of 2022 in Perry Ohio.
During the same winter, Northwest Ohio had very little snow cover.
March 12, Perry, Ohio:
March 10th, Marblehead, Ohio:
So back to the topic, “Will this year’s snow and cold hurt your plants?”
Actually, snow cover can act as an insulating blanket to help protect the roots of plants and tender parts of the plants.
In a recent BYGL call, an educator from Columbus and one from Mansfield both said their sump pump was running even though they had snow cover. This would indicate the ground below the snow was not frozen.
The real damage to plants can occur when temperatures fall far below zero, say 15 degrees below. At this point peach trees can experience wood dieback. But this year, low temperatures in my area have gone no lower than a couple degrees below zero.
Some of my roses may show winter injury on the exposed areas above the snow, but the crown of the plant has been protected by snow.
Most plants that are zone hardy will be fine this winter. Unless we have a span of 10-15 below zero.
Most evergreens used for Christmas trees are cold hardy below our hardiness zones in Ohio.
This includes evergreens in our home landscapes.
In addition, most deciduous trees like the White Oak will be fine.
There is a drawback to snow cover for plants. Rabbits and mice can burrow through the snow and feed on the base of plants for food. But damage will not be visible until spring.
As for insects, most native to Ohio will not be affected by this year’s snow and cold.
So, the final word, the plants will survive.
Will you??
Maybe try some winter activities?
Ice Fishing?
Skiing/ snowboarding?
Building a snowman.
Remember, on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, Punxsutawney Phill saw his shadow so there must be 6 more weeks of winter. Which is funny, because the 1st day of Spring is March 20th, which is 6 weeks after Groundhog day. How about that!
