 | |
 |
|
Winters in Vermont are often hard on certain trees and shrubs. Protecting these plants from winter damage is easily accomplished with a little understanding and some special care. The main culprits in winter damage are sun and wind which cause plants to lose moisture. In winter this lost moisture can't be replaced because all water is frozen and can't move through the plant roots. This causes winterburn. Protecting plants from winterburn means preventing the sun and wind from drying them out. This can be done in various ways. Sometimes simply choosing the right spot for the plant is all that is required. Usually, in our area, the north or east side of a building or other larger windbreak offers more protection from the sun and wind than the south or west. Where wind is a problem, additional protection might be needed such as wrapping with burlap or spraying with an anti-dessicant spray like "Safer's ForEverGreen". Wrapping should be done when he ground is frozen; usually late fall or early winter. Always use a material that "breathes". Do not use plastic which traps heat and creates a little "oven" when the sun shines. Wrapping should be removed when the ground thaws in the spring. Some plants are sensitive to conditions around their roots. Warm spells cause thawing and freezing of soil and can tear roots and heave newly planted shrubs up and out of the ground. Exposing roots to air and temperature extremes is very bad for the plant. A heavy snow cover is nature's way of handling this, but in case snow is lacking, a good layer of mulch (about 3" thick) applied in late fall or early winter is the best insurance. Some trees and shrubs need protection from physical breakage due to falling ice or snow. Wooden A-frames alone cannot be depended on to provide wind protection since they are open on two sides. In a windy situation frames and burlap spray are required. The following is a list of plants which we have found will grow in this area with a little extra understanding and care.
|
|
|
