It looks like winter has arrived with the first heavy snowfall.

Snow can be both an asset as well as a hinderance to the landscape. It is the perfect winter blanket, as it covers the ground and protects the bulbs, perennials, and shrub and tree roots, underneath the ground, from freezing temperatures. It is also helpful in the spring when it melts, as it adds moisture to the soil which in turn helps the plants as they begin to grow again.

Snow also adds to the beauty of the landscape. This is the time of year when you appreciate the trees and shrubs in the landscape even more. It looks like a winter wonderland right now as the snow sits on the branches of trees, and shrubs.

When you look at local landscapes after a snowfall, you will notice that some landscapes stand out more than others. One of the reasons could be that there are trees and shrubs included in the landscape. Trees and shrubs are the foundation of a landscape and add year round interest. Over the spring and summer months they are part of the landscape as they compliment the perennials, annuals and flowering bulbs, but in the fall and winter months they are on their own and become the landscape. Right now is a good time to take a look at your landscape and see if it could use some extra winter interest, and where. Then next spring, trees and shrubs can be planted to make your landscape more attractive year round. Let's face it, living in Prince George means long winters and so winter landscapes are an important part in making your home attractive year round.

Heavy snowfalls can sometimes harm trees and shrubs.

Cedars, flowering shrubs such as potentilla,,spirea and newly planted trees should be watched. Heavy snow can cause the branches to bend and sometimes break. This is why people wrap their cedars with twine, burlap, or netting to prevent the snow from getting caught in the branches. When a cedar branch begins to bend it will catch even more snow so it is important to remove the snow as soon as possible. Use a broom and sweep it off the branches in an upward motion. Do this carefully as you don't want to cause any more damage by removing the snow.

Also be careful when shovelling snow from walkways and driveways. Don't pile heavy snow on shrubs with branches that break easily, instead place it under large trees where there may not be as much snow.

Don't forget to feed the birds. The snow makes it harder for the birds to find food, so now is a good time to fill up the bird feeders with black oiled sunflower seeds, suet, etc if you haven't already done so.

-Jos

Jos Van Hage owns and operates  two Art Knapp Home and Garden Centres:

Highway 16 West at Kimball Road

Highway 97 North at Northwood Pulpmill Road.