Icy Winter

Woke this morning to rain soaking the  2"-3" inches new snow that fell overnight.  Although the ice makes even the most boring plants look like Ikea holiday decorations, it can be damaging to the trees and shrubs. 

Physical damage is the biggest concern with snow and ice. Not from the temperature but the weight of the snow and ice on the branches. I spent 5 min. cleaning the icey snow that coated the Hinoki, Piers and Spirea outside on the street. Even if the snow doesn't break branches, it can still permanently bend branches and make all your hard work on  shaping that Boxwood for not. I use a stick to knock off the ice and try to free any branches buried under the snow.