I think we can now safely say (knock on wood) that the ‘winter that never ends’ is behind us. We had ups and downs in temperature, heavy snowfall and lots of moisture. In Springs past we talked about frost cracking, sunscald, and problems from drought and not enough snow cover. What will we see this year?
Broken Branches and Dieback
Hardy plants can survive the cold if hardened off, but the risk comes when warm weather tricks them out of dormancy only to be blasted by more cold. Borderline hardy and non-native plants may have some dieback from the extreme weather. You will also see a lot of broken branches from the heavy snow and ice. After assessing what is dead or alive, clean up the damaged plants with pruning, and spring will fill in new growth.
Mice, Rabbit, and Deer Damage
With everything covered in snow, the deer and rodents were out searching for food, and they found tasty woody treats. You may see damage higher up than normal because of the amount of snow that accumulated. Watch out for girdling damage.
Salt Injury from Road Salt
With the amount of salt that was required to keep roads and sidewalks safe, there may be more salt injury this Spring. You will see symptoms that look like damage to the roots or drought injury. Salt from our early spring snowstorms can cause the most injury because the plants are thinking about waking up soon (Due to salt shortages this year, though, there may have been less applied later in the season).
-Mary T. McClelland- GreenTechBroken Branches and Dieback
Hardy plants can survive the cold if hardened off, but the risk comes when warm weather tricks them out of dormancy only to be blasted by more cold. Borderline hardy and non-native plants may have some dieback from the extreme weather. You will also see a lot of broken branches from the heavy snow and ice. After assessing what is dead or alive, clean up the damaged plants with pruning, and spring will fill in new growth.
Mice, Rabbit, and Deer Damage
With everything covered in snow, the deer and rodents were out searching for food, and they found tasty woody treats. You may see damage higher up than normal because of the amount of snow that accumulated. Watch out for girdling damage.
Salt Injury from Road Salt
With the amount of salt that was required to keep roads and sidewalks safe, there may be more salt injury this Spring. You will see symptoms that look like damage to the roots or drought injury. Salt from our early spring snowstorms can cause the most injury because the plants are thinking about waking up soon (Due to salt shortages this year, though, there may have been less applied later in the season).
- Chlorosis, early leaf coloration, scorch, dieback: salt accumulates in the soil and absorbs available water causing drought injury
- Marginal Leaf Scorch, Scorched or Dead Needles: chlorine from dissolved salt taken up by the roots
- Poor Drainage: soil high in salt is more easily compacted,
- Potassium deficiency: salt impedes the uptake of magnesium and potassium
- Bud damage and dieback: from salt spray
- Reduced vigor: more susceptible to pests and diseases over the year
Road Salt: A problem for landscape plants and also the environment, but still the safest and easiest option for snow and ice in our region.
With the shortages of salt and corresponding price increases, people are looking at other options. Some areas of the Midwest experimenting with Beet juice, which helps salt work better at lower temperatures. This reduces the amount of salt needed (as much as 30% in some cases), which is better for the environment and saves money spent on road salt. Right now the beet juice does cost more than salt though.
The Amazing Power of the Beet (Kent, Ohio)
Beet Juice on Wisconsin Roads
Beloit, WI has used Beet juice for seven years
Dane County, WI has been experimenting with it this winter
Madison, WI also is interested in trying it
Beet Juice on Illinois Roads
Communities in the Chicago area are trying the beet-juice mixture
Local rivers and lakes have seen an increase in chloride levels each year.
The IL-DOT tried it but has stopped because of costs.
OUR GREEN TECH TEAM
If you have a concern about plant needs, pests, siting or general plant health, we can help. We offer a site-visit service for any questions about how our plants are doing in their new location.
We provide Green Tech service at no charge. To make an appointment give us a call or fill out the online form for more information.
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