If you live in Indiana, or a region of the country where snow is likely come wintertime, then you may face a separate agenda for landscaping care then the rest of the nation. Snow fall can bring beautiful ambiance and family fun; however, when it comes to your beloved landscaping and trees, snow can be a faint threat unless confronted properly. It is important as a home or property owner to know how to take care of landscaping and trees.
Your trees reduce outside noise, allow privacy, encourage wind flow for cool breezes in summer, and much more. Be sure to protect your investments and sustain an aesthetically pleasing outdoor ambiance by learning about proper winter tree and landscaping care. Continue reading to learn, specifically, how to shovel snow without harming trees and landscaping on your property this winter.
Snow and Ice Removal Products Can Cause Landscaping and Tree Damages
When the snow comes down, we begin our wintertime rituals. This includes sprinkling our de-icing products, salting our driveways, and of course, shoveling snow. Unfortunately, some products on the market today may contain ingredients that are harmful to our trees and landscaping. Materials like rock salt and other de-icers can contain elements like sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride; all of which can be harmful to vegetation if over applied. Urea, a plant fertilizer is another strategy used to melt snow and ice; but it can also harm plants and trees if over applied. Common damages are dead grass and plants, scald pots, burn marks, cracked bark, peeling tree bark, and many more.
Fortunately, there are alternatives to using harsh products with high salt amounts. For example, many property owners are discovering that environmentally friendly options work well. Materials like sand, sawdust, wood shavings, granite dust, and even cat litter are safe for pets and the environment. They are also cheaper and can potentially save a person hundreds of dollars each year!
Proper Snow Shoveling Can Eliminate Tree Damages
When it comes to actually shoveling snow, it is important to take your time. Improper use of a shovel can damage plants, roots, and trees. It can be difficult determining where a plant lies, or tree roots begin beneath five inches of snow; but use these guidelines and tips next time you need to shovel your walkways, patios, porches, and driveway:
Safely Shovel Snow around Trees and Landscaping:
• Use a broom to gently sweep the first two layers of snow away from tree bases, plants, and garden perimeters. Sweep gently until base or perimeter is virtually exposed.
• Shovel slowly and in small amounts.
• In heavily covered areas away from trees and landscaping, use the shovel to push the snow rather than lift the snow.
• Use a plastic shovel near trees and foliage rather than aluminum or other metallic shovels. Plastic is less harmful to trees and plants.
• Do not attempt to remove ice from tree limbs. It can cause branches to break off or become damaged.
• Wait until snow and ice are melting to clear covered tree limbs and plants.
Always protect yourself when shoveling snow near covered trees and landscaping. You can easily become injured if a large chunk of ice or snow falls on top of you. Be sure to let a friend or loved one know you are shoveling snow near tall or heavily snow-covered trees before you leave. It is recommended to hire professional snow removal companies to assist you in difficult or dangerous snow removal jobs. For easier tasks, be sure to still protect yourself from falling ice, snow, and branches.
Indianapolis Tree Care Professionals
Ask our Indianapolis tree care professionals about removing snow and ice safely this winter. Call 317-590-1842 and speak directly with Curt Scott, owner and operator of Budget Tree Care, or one of our other licensed and experienced tree technicians. We are among the leading tree removal and maintenance companies in Indianapolis and can offer you the most proficient and accurate advice or service for tree care, tree removal, tree diseases, landscaping advice, snow removal, and much more! We service all counties and cities in Indiana! Call 317-590-1842 for any questions or a free estimate for winter tree care in Indianapolis, Indiana and its surrounding counties.