Marching Into Spring
(article by Ann
Morgan owner of (
L'Annscapes)
The calendar and the view of the outdoors
do not always match. Those of who are skiers and plantsmen
are very pleased with the exterior appearance as Spring
officially appears on our calendars. The deep snow, disliked
by so many, is very beneficial to your landscape. It
replenishes the groundwater as it melts, helping keep trees
watered and in good shape. Your well also depends on this.
Snow is Mother Nature's insulation, protecting the above
ground portions from drying sun and winds, and the roots
from extreme freezing temperatures. Therefore, there should
be less winter damage this year than in past years from
weather related causes.
However there is always an opposite
reaction. There will probably be a lot of rodent damage, as
the deep snow buries their normal food supply. As the snow
melts, their tunnels will become visible just above ground
level where they have been scurrying around searching for
food sources. Unfortunately, hors d'oeuvres often consist of
your most valuable plants. If a young tree or shrub fails to
leaf out, check the bark at the base of the plant. There is
a good chance that it has been girdled during the winter. If
bark still remains on one side of the trunk or stem, with
proper care the plant may well survive.
Deer damage definitely decimates many
desirable plantings. But this a topic all by itself. Perhaps
to be explored another month.
Road salt also causes damage to plant
materials. This comes from run-off, splash from vehicles,
and roadside plow drifts and heaps.
This is the time to think about parts of
the past winter. Did the wind whistle around your windows?
Were there deep drifts and open spots? Did ice build up on
your driveway? Was the view from the kitchen window boring?
Good Design and landscaping can make a
difference with all the topics touched upon above with one
major exception. We have no influence or control of arrival,
depth. duration or departure of snow.
