Snow, The good, the Bad and the Ugly

What is snow?

     Let’s start with what snow is. Yes, I know when you see snow, you know what it is, but do you know how it’s formed? Do you know all the variables and kinds or textures of snow that there is? The storm we just had in NJ and Pennsylvania gave me the idea to talk about this topic. So what is snow? Snow is white, crystalline frosty forms that fall from the sky at extremely high altitudes in our atmosphere where it’s below freezing, 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 0 degrees Celsius. Snow, depending on your altitude and location in this world, can certainly happen at any time, but more likely from late fall through mid spring. There are caveats to that, especially the more north you go.

     In the upper atmosphere, precipitation falls from the sky and starts as snow. As it falls towards ground level, that snow may be in freezing temps the entire time, leading to snow for us. If the snow falls into above 32’ temps, it then turns to rain, and if we are above freezing here, we get rain. But what about if, after turning to rain, it refreezes? Depending on where it refroze, if higher up, it then falls to us as sleet. If it doesn’t refreeze until it hits the ground, it’s freezing rain, the most dangerous of winter precipitation. I know this is a lot, but its most interesting.

What kinds of snow are there?

     Snowflakes, believe it or not, really do each have different shapes. No two are alike. But the type of snow is what we’re interested in. If the air is super cold and dry, you get light, airy snow. That particular snow accumulates fast approximately at a rate of 12”+ snow/1” liquid. If the temps are closer to 32, snow is more wet. When storms come in around spring, that’s more likely to happen, with rates of 10” or less/ 1” liquid. And that snow is very heavy and hard to clean. Snow can also be grainy, almost ice or sleet-like. That has a special name called Graupel. Although like ice, Graupel is very fragile.

Is snow good, bad or ugly?

     Snow to me, is good, to many others is bad and it’s effects can be ugly for sure. Snow is good though, as it slowly melts into the ground, rebuilding ground water levels. Snow, as long as it doesn’t turn to ice, acts as insulation as well, and of course, snow is pristine and beautiful. It brings hope and natural beauty at times when things are very grey and boring. Snow though, can be bad too. It is hard to drive in and dangerous. It can wreak havoc on many people and outdoor animals. It is also bad for plants when heavy and persistent. Snow can weigh down your shrubs and although plants are made with compounds that allow their shape to rebound, the longer the snow is on them, the longer it takes to get back into typical form, no to mention that plants can die from burn, suffocation and yes, from rodents like mice and voles, eating away at the roots for sustenance. As far as lawns are concerned, once again, snow can insulate and when melted, that grass will actually be greener than exposed turf, but if the snow turns to ice and sits in the same area for extended periods, disease called snow mold can occur. Snow mold though, unless on a golf course, is more unsightly than anything.  And those bad things lead to very ugly, unhealthy and sometimes dead plants.

Any advice?

     Well, my advice is simple and it has to do with your plant material…snow, in smallish amounts is good for your plants. Remember to gently clean them off on warmer days and clean around the base of each plant when possible. If you can protect them with awning type barriers, do so. Good luck getting through winter.

*** Plant Health Organics is a 100% Organic land care company serving Central NJ and Bucks County PA. We are PROUD of the work we do and know full well that what we do is BEST for you and our world. Contact us at 908-335-0553***                    

-Joe Gentile, Owner Plant Health Organics, LLC