There's no doubt that a fresh layer of snow is beautiful. Yet, aside from aesthetics, it also serves the lawn and plants underneath, providing a healthier and happier landscape when spring arrives. Here's a closer look at why snow is such a valuable addition to winter plant healthcare. 

How Snow Benefits Plants, Turf, and Soil

1. Protective Insulation

Even though snow is frozen, it offers incredible insulating properties. Once a thorough layer has fallen on the ground, the individual flakes are packed together by the weight, creating a thick, insulating layer. As such, the snow helps lock heat in the soil, preventing cold air temperatures from freezing and damaging tree and shrubbery roots. 

The insulation also blocks out the sun. As a result, it helps to mitigate upward expansion, known as heaving, which has the potential to harm root systems. It also limits thawing and refreezing cycles that can lead to death and disease in short-rooted perennials. 

2. Provides Nutrients

Snow also serves as a natural fertilizer. The moisture picks up valuable elements, like nitrogen, in the air prior to falling. Once it's on the ground and melts, it releases the nutrients into the soil. The weight of the snow pushes the natural chemicals deeper than standard fertilizer practices. As a result, they're more likely to reach the roots and encourage growth when spring arrives. 

3. Delivers Moisture

Hydration is essential to effective plant healthcare but watering during winter can cause the soil to freeze. As a result, there's a risk that the root systems will freeze and die, especially those located near the top of the soil. 

In such situations, moisture is also blocked from deeper root systems, like for trees and shrubs, as the water freezes near the surface. When snow packs the ground, the bottom of the layer can melt and penetrate deep down without the risk of freezing thanks to its thermal properties.

Set your landscape up for success with assistance from Diamond Edge Outdoor Management in Ballwin, MO. The trusted plant healthcare providers give dependable guidance and lawn care to residents across the Greater St. Louis County area. From weed control to tree care, browse examples of our eye-catching work in their online gallery, and request a personalized quote today at (636) 391-4049.