Ask Anna Gardening Questions: Snow-Damaged Shrubs and Evergreens

Happy February everyone!

This month we are answering one of your great questions. ”How do I help out the shrubs and evergreens damaged from the heavy snow these past few weeks?”

You’re definitely going to want to help the plant as it won’t be able to straighten back up all on its own. I can see in the photo that there aren’t any broken branches which means you won’t have to cut any off.

The first thing I would try is taking the branches, bending the wood back and holding it for a minute or two. Hopefully, it will bend the plant back into place. Make sure to do this several times on all the bent branches.

Then, I would tie them up with rope for a couple of years and new wood will form. This should correct the stressed wood and hopefully, the branches will start to stand upright again.

It’s a lot easier to prevent this from happening in the first place by wrapping the plant. Sometimes you can even cause permanent damage so it’s easier just to try and prevent it.

Another good reason to wrap your evergreens in the winter is to prevent the deer from eating them. It isn’t that the deer love eating them, they only tend to munch on them in the winter months when it’s the only green thing they can find.

If you’re wondering what to wrap your plant with, I would recommend a strong plastic mesh. This way, the plant can still photosynthesize and hold the branches up well. Evergreens photosynthesize even in the winter months. Burlap will prevent the sun from getting to the plant. It can also cause rot and mold if left on too long.

The mesh or wire netting will allow airflow and you can even buy them in green so they are not as noticeable as the burlap. You can also use rope or strong bailer twine to wrap the tree. If you’re tying it with rope, be sure to start at the main structural inside branch. Make sure to tie it loose, you don’t want the knot tight. Then, wrapping around the tree from the outside. Finishing it by tying a knot on a structural branch, not an outside branch.

If you would like me to answer one of your questions next month you can send your question to me at: [email protected] attention Ask Anna.

I hope everyone has a fantastic month and be sure to stop by at Harvest on the corner of Power Dam and Vincent Massey to say hi while you pick up a copy of The Seeker … and remember that both Harvest stores (also at 75 Cornwall Centre Rd.) are fully stocked Grocery Stores from veggies, dairy, meat, baked goods, cleaning supplies, pet food and more! Do all your groceries here – Your One Stop Grocery Shop!