By Maryanne Sparks
Fauquier County Master Gardener
Gardeners in the area felt an added chill to their bones during the recent plunge in temperatures. Ice and snow can take a toll on the garden, but so can freezing temperatures.
The good news is that most plants can survive the latest Arctic blast if they are acceptable for planting in USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 6A (-10 to -5 degrees F). Only time will tell us whether less cold-tolerant plants survive the winter.
However, ice and snow are sure to come our way, and preemptive measures can help minimize damage to your landscape. Plants covered in ice and snow may yield or even break under the stress of additional weight. This is especially true of evergreens.
Should multi-stemmed plants need additional support, consider temporarily using twine to wrap the plant before snow or ice accumulates. Brushing fresh snow off the limbs using a broom and working in an upward manner will clear plants of additional weight.
Strong winter winds may break limbs that are rigid and brittle. Plants may be uprooted by heavy winds when the ground is wet, but not frozen. Avoid problems by maintaining properly pruned trees and shrubs and providing appropriate staking and guying for new plantings. Remember to remove stakes and guy-lines before one year passes to allow the trees or shrubs to naturally develop resistance to wind.
Below-freezing temperatures affect lawns as well. Don’t walk on your lawns when temperatures dip, as this may cause damage to the crown of the plants.
And as for de-icing agents, many well-intentioned people often misuse products that can damage the landscape. Check the product label for its ingredients. Ethylene glycol is poisonous and should not be used near humans, pets, wildlife or plants. De-icing agents may contain calcium chloride or sodium chloride, salts which will kill plants.
Finally, resolve to be OK with some winter damage to your landscape, as it is bound to happen.
For more information, contact the Virginia Cooperative Extension Horticulture Help Desk at 24 Pelham St., Warrenton, Va. 20186 by telephone at 540-341-7950, ext. 1, by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or on the web at www.fc-mg.org.
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