Posted by: Alison O'Connor, Larimer County
Mark your calendars, folks! It's Mother's Day, May 11, and the snow is coming down fast and furious. By the time it's all said and done, up to 9-12" of wet, heavy snow (yea moisture!) is expected, but for our woody plants that have leafed out, this means bad news and possible damage.
So take precaution now and go and gently knock the snow off the trees and shrubs (and perennials) that have been coated. The leaves capture a lot more snow per surface area than branches, and this is what makes branches droop and break. Evergreens also need attention.
Shaking off the snow is one of the best things you can do to prevent damage...and you may have to repeat this a few times until the snow stops. But be gentle--don't vigorously shake, just do some light taps or brushing.
 |
| The mighty broom handle! |
 |
| The "weepy" star magnolia outside the hort building. |
 |
| Tap, tap, tap. |
 |
| Free from snow and ice (the blue spruce is another project). |
By the way, the turf specialist said your lawn is fine.