The winter is approaching and gardeners are being urged to do a simple task the moment it snows. Cold weather can damage trees, and hedges and as well as improving shelter for plants and mulching, garden experts say garden damage can be prevented if conditions turn wintry. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends steps be taken to reduce the effect on you plants.
. It suggests pruning hedges to a tapered shape which will stop any plant damage caused by snowfall. Heavy flurries will weigh down you trees and hedges and can lead to breakages which are difficult to repair.
The RHS says: "If snow sits on hedges or the crowns of trees there is a danger of branches breaking. Shake off excess snow as it starts to build up on branches, and prune hedges to taper at the top to minimise snow damage." It also says tender plants can be 'overwintered outside' if they have suitable protective coverings .
But in exposed areas, plants which are stronger and hardier may cover from the elements. The RSA says evergreen plants and pot plants are at particular risk, so require special attention. Wrappings to protect plants should should be added when their is a sign of frost.
Long-term planning for shelter belts or moving new plants can be done at any time rather than the winter. Trees and shrubs have different ways of adapting to the winter. Guy Barker at the 'I' said: "Deciduous trees go into dormancy, which is similar to hibernation in animals.
Trees have sophisticated mechanisms to measure tim.