While winter has not yet officially arrived, very cold temperatures accompanied by various amounts of snow across the state have given us a taste of it. For some, a mild winter is desired, while others ask for winters of plenty of snow and cold. What is best for landscape plants?

Mild winters such as we saw last year can be rough on plants. Lack of snow cover and fluctuating temperatures lead to freezing and thawing cycles of the upper soil. This soil heaving action is damaging to roots of plants, including perennials, bulbs, ground covers, and strawberry plantings. This is why winter mulching is suggested. Evergreen branches and straw are two mulch options to consider if you have not already done so.

Another potential problem mild winters may bring is lack of moisture in the soil. In addition to providing moisture as it melts, snow can also insulate the soil and prevent moisture loss over winter. Last winter was a dry one for much of the state, so even with the mild temperatures many plants struggled.

Lack of snow may help prevent some plant problems. One example is damage from voles (field mice) and rabbits. Without snow cover, these animals that gnaw on bark of trees and shrubs are more susceptible to predators such as hawks and owls. Snow cover offers protection, especially for voles. There is still time to place cylinders of hardware cloth or commercially available trunk protectors around trunk of young trees with tender bark.

One major reason to ask for good snow cover, besides winter sports, is snow functions as an excellent insulator of the soil. Without snow, very cold temperatures can freeze the soil deeper and deeper, potentially damaging roots of plants.

Heavy snow loads put considerable strain on branches of trees and shrubs, however. Assuming it easily comes off, carefully brush away snow after a major snow event. If it does not easily come off or includes ice, the best thing is to leave it alone and let natural melting take care of it. Damage often occurs when shaking frozen branches that may not appear until sometime next season when a cracked limb suddenly wilts and dies.

Finally, consider plants with snow removal efforts this winter. Watch where snow gets plowed and piled to avoid damaging smaller shrubs. Deicing salt in the snow also contributes to plant problems, so, if possible, plow and then apply salt. Certainly, safety must come first but consider sand for traction as an alternative to salt wherever possible. Snow melting products containing potassium chloride is less harmful to vegetation than those with sodium chloride.