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Contact: Vicki Bendure, APR
Phone: 202- 374-9259
E-mail: Vicki@bendurepr.com

Snow and Ice Removal Tips for Plants, Trees, and Shrubs

HERNDON, Va., December 21, 2011 — Winter is not the time when most people focus on their yards; however, it is a time of year when a lot of damage can happen. The nation’s lawn and landscape association, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), wants people to know how to care for plants, trees, and shrubs during the winter.  PLANET’s winter yard tips include the following:

• Continue watering. Just because it isn’t hot doesn’t mean that plants don’t need water. Continue watering until a hard freeze. A well-hydrated plant has a better chance of survival.
• Don’t shake branches covered with snow and ice. It is best to gently brush off snow. Shaking limbs may break them. Wait for ice and frozen snow to melt naturally. If a limb does break, have it removed as soon as weather permits. It will help the tree or shrub to heal better in the spring.
• Watch out for winter warm spells. It is normally not a problem if you get a few warm days in the middle of winter; however, if you covered plants with cones or cold frames, you may want to ventilate them during the day and cover them again at night.
• Prune. Late winter is a good time to prune and shape ornamental trees and roses.

Another thing to think about in the winter is the use of salt or melting agents for snow and ice.

“It’s critical not to over-apply the ice melt. Many homeowners use melting agents liberally, unaware of the potential for plant damage. I advise my clients to check the weather forecast first — if it’s going to warm up, then don’t apply much ice melt or any at all,” said PLANET member Shayne Newman, Landscape Industry Certified Manager & Technician. “Consulting a professional is best if you have difficulty gauging when to use salt and melting agents or for determining how much product ought to be applied.”

Evergreen trees are particularly sensitive to salt. For signs of damage from melting agents, look for brown needles or leaves on trees and shrubs. Building barriers to protect the plants from runoff and adding more sand and gravel to the salt mix will help minimize damage. For more information, or to find a lawn and landscape professional, log on to LandcareNetwork.org/findaprofessional.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the quality of life in communities across America. With approximately 3,700 member and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. Some of these professionals have taken the extra step of becoming certified through PLANET and bear the distinction of being known as Landscape Industry Certified.