TechNotes Tips - 01.03.02

Lake effect snow storms were ever present in Buffalo, New York this past week. In combination with a winter storm more than 4 feet of snow fell. In a 24- hour (December 26-27) period 29.8 inches of snow fell. This was the second largest amount of snow to fall in a 24-hour period in Buffalo since 1890. Lake effect snow occurs when cold air blows over the warmer waters of the Great Lakes. Given the warmer than normal autumn that occurred in most of the Midwest, that lake effect snow storms will continue longer into the winter. This is based on the assumption that it will take longer for the Great Lakes (in this case Lake Erie) to freeze over.

Snow buildup on landscape plants should be removed if significant amounts of snow accumulation on shrubs occurs. The best way to remove snow is with a broom. Sweeping the snow off the shrubs in an upward motion so that the snow is lifted off. Using a downward motion increases the potential for breakage of limbs and twigs. The two main causes of breakage from snow and ice are from the weight of the snow and careless removal.