Trees covered in snow in November, 2015. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Washington has received almost eight inches of snow since July 1st and there are ways to help plants and shrubs adjust to winter. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach say a layer of snow is beneficial to many plants in gardens and landscapes as it protects from extreme cold and the drying effects from the wind and sun. Although, heavy, wet snow can cause branches to break and deprive wildlife of the vegetation on the ground, causing them to look to trees and shrubs.

The horticulturists advise gently shaking or using a broom to brush heavy, wet snow off of small tress and shrubs. When it comes to spruce trees, the snow won’t suffocate evergreens and actually acts like an insulating blanket.