"Snow as an insulator for your garden In its physical form, snow is also a fantastic insulator, with flakes trapping air in countless small pockets. As with the R-value of home insulation, the thickness of the layers determines how well it insulates - a few inches won't provide much protection against the freeze-thaw cycle, whereas 6 inches or more begins to stabilize soil layers from the surface down to deeper depths. The best insulation is provided by light, fluffy, loosely packed snow, which can maintain up to twice the ambient temperature of the air above it."
"When snow cover is lacking, plants' surface roots and the crowns of perennials are subject to frost heave and temperature swings between day and night, which can cause water loss."
"Gardening Boston-area yards have been covered in snow for weeks - a stable condition for dormant plants The recent heavy snow and Arctic temperatures have me thinking about how gardens react to winter conditions. Can too much snow harm or help my plants? What steps can I take to ensure my trees and shrubs are prepared for the stresses of winter?"
"This week, I will discuss the benefits of snow cover, which provides stable conditions for dormant plants. I'll also consider how proactive tree and shrub care can greatly help mitigate risk from heavy snow loads."
Snow cover can benefit dormant plants by providing insulation. Snow traps air in small pockets, and insulation effectiveness increases with thickness. A few inches of snow offers limited protection from freeze-thaw cycles, while about 6 inches or more helps stabilize soil layers from the surface to deeper depths. Light, fluffy, loosely packed snow can maintain temperatures up to twice the ambient air temperature above it. Without snow cover, surface roots and perennial crowns face frost heave and repeated temperature swings between day and night, which can lead to water loss. Proactive tree and shrub care can help reduce risks from heavy snow loads.
Read at Boston.com
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