Snow covered branches

Snow has some positive benefits in that it acts as an insulator protecting plants and flowers from the cold and hard frosts, but when the snow is too heavy is when more damage can occur, causing branches and leaves to snap. Here are a few tips to help solve your snow problems:

· When you spot excess snow on branches and shrubs and hedges shake it off to prevent them from becoming disfigured

· Promptly remove snow from the roofs and windows of your Gabriel Ash greenhouses to prevent the structures bending underneath the weight

· To stop your conifers being pulled out of shape use lengths of string, as branches that move wont spring back into place after the snow has thawed

· Try not to walk on your lawn when it is covered in snow as the turf below will be damaged and leave unsightly marks

How to deal with the frost?

As most gardeners will testify, it is easy to be caught out by frost. And sometimes frost damage is simply unavoidable. When damaged has occurred, what should be done?

· Most plants will return to their former glory after a hard frost when ‘real’ spring finally arrives. But to ensure that the damaged parts don’t spread to their healthier counter parts make sure you clip them back and this will also encourage new growth

· To encourage a strong growth in the spring fertilize them well with a  balanced fertilizer (with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium)

· If your plant was really tender then dig it up and take it to your Gabriel Ash greenhouse. With the moisture and heat that your green house provides your plant will be revived in no time.

· If a fence or hedge is causing a ‘frost pocket’ consider creating a gap, or remove some of the lower growth to improve cold air drainage

· Frost may lift newly-planted shrubs out of the ground, so check and re-firm the ground around them.

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