Spring Landscaping After Heavy Snow
Spring landscaping after heavy snow is critical. As I write this, it’s Groundhog Day, February second. The Groundhog saw its shadow, so it predicts six more weeks of winter. This winter in Central Indiana has been one of the snowiest in recent years. Since Spring officially begins on March 20th, we may not have snow on the ground then (although you never know in Central Indiana). However, it doesn’t matter because the heavy snow has already impacted your yard.
The snow has brought debris, salt damage, and soil compaction. So, once the ground thaws, essential steps should include raking matted grass, pruning broken branches, replenishing mulch, aerating to boost oxygen for new growth, and more.
Spring Landscaping After Heavy Snow
Remove Debris
Clear away broken branches, leaves, and trash to prevent suffocation of new growth. Heavy snow usually comes with heavy winds, and those winds knock down dead, damaged, and snow-burdened branches. It can also blow leaves and other debris into your yard.
Clear Snow from Trees and Bushes
Avoid shaking heavy snow off frozen, brittle branches to prevent breakage. I use a long-handled, large street broom.
Manage Meltwater
Direct melt water away from your yard. So, you might consider creating small channels to divert salty meltwater away from plants and prevent root damage.
Lawn Restoration
Rake Gently
Use a rake to remove matted, dead grass, which helps improve air circulation, but be gentle with the rake.
Relieve Soil Compaction
Aerating your lawn goes a long way in counteracting compaction from heavy snow and foot traffic. Here are a few of the benefits of aerating your lawn from North Dakota State University Ag
“Aeration will:
- Invigorate roots and stimulate new growth.
- Reduce soil compaction.
- Reduce thatch accumulation.
- Enhance the movement of water and nutrients into the soil.
- Smooth out bumpy lawns.”
Repair Salt Damage
Flush areas with water, use gypsum to improve soil structure, and reseed in early spring. How important is flushing away the salt? “When salt dissolves in water, the sodium and chloride ions separate. When this happens, the sodium ions in the salt replace the other nutrients in the soil that plants need (potassium, calcium, and magnesium), so these nutrients are unavailable to the plant.” — Purdue Extension — Salt Damage in Landscape Plants
Identify Snow Mold
Yes, there is such a thing as snow mold. It’s a fungus that can kill grass. Grass matted together, covered with leaves and debris, or poorly irrigated, is highly susceptible. So look for crusty or matted patches; light raking can help them dry out.
Garden Bed & Plant Care
Prune Damaged Plants
Remove broken or dead branches from shrubs and trees. “Why prune in late winter or early spring? Pruning while a plant is dormant makes it easier for the plant to recover, which is important for next year’s flowers. By pruning BEFORE any new growth starts, the plant puts energy towards producing new, healthy growth when the warmer temperatures of spring roll around. Practically speaking, it’s also a lot easier to see the true shape of deciduous plants in the winter since their foliage is gone.” — Pruning Guide for Trees and Shrubs
Add New Mulch
By adding a two to three-inch layer of new mulch, you’ll help stabilize soil temperature and moisture.
Check Irrigation
Inspect systems for damage caused by frozen, expanding ground.
Pest Patrol
Keep an eye out for pests that have squatted on your land. One reason to clean up debris is to reduce hiding places for wintering pests.
Soil Management
Wait for Thaw
Avoid working in the garden when the soil is still soggy to prevent further compaction.
Amend Soil
Incorporate compost to help soil recover from the winter freeze-thaw cycle.
Key actions: Remove debris, check for salt damage, prune, and mulch.
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If we can answer any questions about your garden or landscaping, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.
About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends, he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like 7 Key Spring Gardening Tips.
Photo by Ralph Katieb on Unsplash
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