Incoming Snow Damage?

I also have buds on my fruit trees in mid-Missouri. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

“Charlotte, I’m SO worried. Groundhog said early spring. I already have budding fruit trees and snow on the way. Will it hurt the trees?” — Alison

Incoming Snow Damage?

Hi Alison,

I just checked my garden. It was 72F on Groundhog Day in mid-Missouri, sunny and calm, a perfect day to putter around the garden.

You didn’t mention where you are located but we also have snow in the forecast this week. Hard to believe until one remembers that major temperature fluctuations are part of the impact of our current rapidly changing climate emergency.

I’m not sure we’ve even had temperatures cold enough here to freeze soil, which makes our plants dormant for a period. Tulips, daffodils and other spring bulbs need that cold period to set the bulbs for blooming. I’m already seeing tulips popping up so if they bloom I will know they had enough cold.

Lower temperatures also impact trees, shrubs and flowers. Some even depend on the colder temperatures to help them get ready for a new growing season.

Here’s the good news about snow. Snow won’t hurt your plants; it may even help them by returning nutrients to the soil.

If there is something you want to do for your trees, mulch them especially after a hard frost, when you know the soil is frozen.

Even if your soil is not frozen, mulch. Mulch will not only help improve your soil but it will protect your plant roots from the heaving and freezing fluctuating temperatures cause.

Leaves keeping my strawberry plants protected from fluctuating temps. (Photo by Charlotte Ekker Wiggins)

The other thing about mulch; it will make the garden look finished.

If you live where I live, you can get free mulch at our local recycling center. If you live somewhere else, check to see if your local municipality has a recycling center with a mulch pile.

Charlotte