How to Care for Plants with Snow on Them
Winter Landscape Tips for Charlottesville and Central Virginia
Winter snow can make a landscape look peaceful, but for homeowners in Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Crozet, and surrounding areas, snow and ice can also cause damage to trees and shrubs if handled incorrectly. Most winter plant damage is preventable with the right approach.
Is Snow Bad for Plants?
Not always.
Light Snow Helps
Light, fluffy snow can insulate plants and soil, protecting roots from extreme cold.
Heavy Snow Can Harm
Heavy, wet snow or ice adds weight to branches and can cause bending, splitting, or breakage, especially on evergreens and newly planted shrubs. In Central Virginia, temperatures often move above and below freezing, which can cause snow to melt and refreeze, increasing the risk of damage.
Should You Remove Snow from Plants?
Yes, but only in certain situations.
When to Remove Snow
The snow is heavy or wet
Snow is piling up on evergreens, boxwoods, or narrow shrubs
The plant was newly planted within the last one to two years
When to Leave Snow
Branches are frozen solid
The snow is light and powdery
The plant is mature and structurally strong
Forcing frozen branches to move often causes more damage than leaving the snow in place.
The Right Way to Remove Snow from Shrubs and Small Trees
If conditions allow, follow these steps:
Use a soft broom, not your hands or a shovel
Sweep upward, starting at the bottom of the plant and working up
Move gently and avoid aggressive shaking
Remove snow early before it refreezes into ice
Never knock branches with tools or try to break ice off plants. Ice should be allowed to melt naturally.
Special Care for Evergreens Like Boxwoods and Hollies
Evergreens are more vulnerable in Virginia winters because they:
Hold snow on their foliage
Lose moisture through their leaves all winter
Are often planted in exposed areas
Protection Tips
Check plants after heavy snowfall
Make sure evergreens were well watered before winter
Use burlap wind protection in open or windy locations
This is especially helpful in areas like Keswick, Earlysville, and western Albemarle County.
When Snow Damage Is Most Likely in Virginia
Snow damage most often occurs when:
Temperatures hover near freezing
Snow melts slightly and refreezes overnight
Ice builds up on already stressed plants
These freeze and thaw cycles are common in the Piedmont region and are a major cause of winter landscape damage.
When to Call a Professional
Consider professional help if you notice:
Split or cracked branches
Leaning shrubs or young trees
Broken leaders on newly planted trees
Addressing these issues before spring growth begins helps prevent long term structural problems.
Winter Landscape Care in Central Virginia
Beebe Landscape Design works with homeowners throughout Charlottesville, Albemarle County, Crozet, Greene County, and nearby areas to protect landscapes year round. Winter care plays a key role in keeping plants healthy and attractive for years to come.
If you are concerned about plant damage after a snow or ice event, a professional assessment can help prevent small issues from becoming costly repairs later.
Need help protecting your trees and shrubs this winter? Contact Beebe Landscape Design at (434) 960-8333 or request a consultation online today.