Everyone dreams of that beautiful, sparkling wintry wonderland that comes with the first snowfall. What isn’t included in that dream is the exhausting work which follows when you have to get rid of it because it is everywhere including your landscape. The more traditional methods of snow removal such as shoveling, snow blowers, and salting can damage your hard won landscape, but there are environmental friendly ways to keep your landscape safe from the harshness of winter. Let’s take a quick look at what the traditional methods of snow removal actually do to your landscape.
Snow Shoveling
When you use a snow shovel on your yard you are packing the snow which makes it denser. As the shovel is pushed across your yard you are running the risk of breaking tender roots and ripping up sod. Not at all a safe bet for your landscape come springtime.
Snow Blowers
First off, investing in a snow blower can be expensive with the cost ranging anywhere from $50 to $500. Secondly, when you blow snow off shrubs and plants you could easily be breaking off branches and causing unknown damage to the plant’s systems.
Salting
Salt will definitely melt the snow and ice, but it also leaves behind corrosive properties that flow into the ground damaging the root systems of your plants.
With the dangers posed to your landscape by traditional methods, what is a person to do instead? There are safe, environmentally friendly ways to deal with the snow and ice in your yard. A light snow is nothing to dread since it will work as an insulator and provide water to your plants. However, those heavy snows are a different story. The best ways to deal with snow on your landscape include:
Sweeping
The old broom you use to sweep off the porch is a sure fire method of snow removal. By gently brushing the snow from your plants and shrubs you avoid the breaking and splintering of branches.
Leave the Ice
Trying to remove ice from branches and plants causes more damage to already stressed plants. Your best bet is to patiently wait until it begins to melt.
Stay off the Grass
Walking on snowfall is fun, but it crushes your grass. Remove the snow as it accumulates to avoid stomping your grass to mush.
