February 26, 2008
When the Snow Melts...
When the snow melts (and it will!), shrubs and small trees will need to be inspected for damage. The heavy snows we have had this winter may have done damage to the lower portions of larger shrubs and small trees. Smaller shrubs, some of which were completely covered with snow, may show damage on any part.
Any branches that are broken should be removed completely. Make a clean cut with a pruning tool to insure good healing. Ragged, torn wood will not heal well and may serve as an entry point for disease and insect problems later in the season.
Evergreen shrubs that have been covered with snow have had their branches bent down for a long time. These may have trouble snapping back into shape. There are a couple of techniques to try that may be helpful. Tie or prop branches into their normal orientation for a few weeks. This may allow some of them to return to normalcy. For large, heavy branches, consider shortening the branch to remove some of the weight and then tie or prop it into place. Some branches will respond while others, most likely, will not.
Posted by Sharon Yiesla at 1:47 PM |
