podcast: dealing with snowload on woody plants
IKNOW IT’S TOO LATE FOR HELP with the freakish October storm that flattened the woody plants here last weekend, but I have a hunch those of us in snow country will be needing tips for helping the garden through storms to come. After all, winter hasn’t even started yet (evidence outside my window, where it hasn’t melted yet, to the contrary). A podcast on recollections of other October storms, and some snowload-prevention tactics —my “triage-nurse” routine—and when to just let nature take its course.
My partners in the weekly garden podcast, Robin Hood Radio (WHDD in nearby Sharon, Connecticut, the nation’s smallest NPR affiliate) were without power much of the week, so we had to do this broadcast by phone…hence the less-robust sound quality. Plus I am struck by how exhausted I sound–and I was, after a weekend of outdoor work, and worry.
You can stream the Oct. 31 podcast here, or subscribe free on iTunes (it’s listed as the Nov. 3 show there, when it was finally posted).
More Information on Winter Care
THESE TWO EXTENSION-SERVICE bulletins outline tips for preventing animal and salt damage, winter burn, splaying open of hedges and other shrubbery, and more.
- Protecting trees and shrubs against winter damage (from the University of Minnesota Extension)
- Winter injury to trees and shrubs: tips to help minimize damage, from the Morton Arboretum.
Margaret, I am truly sorry for your losses and can just imagine how sad it all was, but also imagining from your book and web site that your spirit is strong and moving on. I keep losing cherry laurels which are my foundation plants in Zone 7, which doesn’t make me too sad cause I don’t really like them (here when I moved in). Just makes me annoyed to have to keep replacing something I don’t care for that much. I have been looking on your site for ideas for foundation plants which would work for my zone, but can’t really find any. I need about 5 that are about 4 ft. or can be pruned to 4 ft. and can handle clay (improved) soil and afternoon sun. Any thoughts?
The Arbor Day Foundation has a pretty good piece titled, ‘Can These Trees Be Saved.’ with helpful diagnostic illustrations and descriptions.
https://www.arborday.org/media/stormrecovery/2_canthesetreesbesaved.cfm
Thanks, Kathy. Over here I am afraid the answer to a number of things is “no”. :(
Love your podcasts – thanks for the head’s up on this one as I missed my usual Monday AM listen.
I have to listen and get your advise. I have one very damaged lilac and the butterfly bush is almost all broken limbs. That will probably rejuvenate itself or can be replaced by some self sown shrub. Will the lilac come back after it is cut down to about 4 ft “stubs”? I think it will but it is going to look very ugly next year. I am also thinking, maybe it is an opportunity to replace the lilac with something else. Then I think with what?