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It’s snowstorm season, and if you have a yard or vegetable garden, you might be feeling a little apprehensive. It isn’t easy to protect your plants from heavy snow – but fortunately, Martha Stewart has just revealed exactly how her team prepares for a storm, and how they clean up in the aftermath.
The secret is, unsurprisingly, a reliable set of tools. Martha’s team swears by a roof snow rake, which they use to clear snow from trees across her Bedford farm, including her American boxwoods.
While knowing how to prepare your home for a snowstorm is one thing, the clean-up is another. This is why we welcome Martha’s timely tips.
Shop Snowstorm Essentials
If you’re looking to invest in a new rake, our Gardens Content Editor, Tenielle Jordison, recommends the Favormony 2-in-1 adjustable rake from Amazon. Extendable tools like the Birdrock Home extendable scraper are also ideal for removing snow from lofty tree branches.
Favormony 2-In-1 Snow Rake and Leaf Brush
Featuring an interchangeable head and an adjustable pole that reaches up to 21 feet, this brush isn’t just ideal for trees – it can also clear snow from driveways, paths, roofs and even cars.
Multi-Use Extension Pole
This pole extends from up to 24 feet, allowing you to attach your own brush head and clear snow from trees. It’s a brilliant tool to have in your gardening arsenal.
Snow Blower
If you’re worried about damage to your smaller plants, this cordless snow blower will carefully remove snow from branches. It can be fully charged in just three hours.
Snow Shovel
Boasting a 20-inch graphite blade and an ergonomic handle, this lightweight shovel will help you clear snow from paths and driveways in no time.
Waterproof Winter Gloves
Shovels and rakes are crucial, but a reliable pair of gardening gloves is just as important. These are fully waterproof, with a windproof latex coating and an extra-soft inner lining.
Natural Burlap Roll
Draping trees and shrubs in burlap will help them to remain unscathed after heavy snow. Martha cuts small holes in her burlap covers to allow birds to shelter inside during storms.
In a blog post shared on January 28, Martha described the aftermath of the recent storm (dubbed ‘Winter Storm Fern’ by the Weather Channel) over at her farm. With the paddocks, orchard, and vegetable garden blanketed by snow, Martha’s team got to work removing snow from the trees to prevent lasting damage.
‘This last winter storm Fern dropped more than 21 inches at my farm, with drifts topping two-feet in some areas,’ she wrote.
‘Thankfully, we were well-prepared: all the tropical plants are tucked away in temperature-controlled greenhouses, and most of my precious boxwood shrubs and hedges are draped in burlap. The days following have been bitterly cold, with winds at a minimum allowing everyone a chance clean up – before the next storm system arrives.’
While the storm brought a worrying amount of snow to many states, Martha noted that her farm ‘did not suffer any damage’.
Naturally, however, there is a lot to be done after such extreme weather – and Martha’s boxwood trees are a top priority.
‘After it snows, my crew sweeps the snow off the burlap that covers most of the boxwood here at the farm,’ she explained. ‘This time of year, I am very relieved the hedges and shrubs are protected, since heavy snow could splay the branches.’
As Martha demonstrates, stocking up on strong burlap is a brilliant way to protect your trees and shrubs from heavy snow. Our Gardens team recommends these burlap rolls from Walmart, though you can also try horticultural fleece from Amazon.
Yet when it comes to taller trees, Martha reveals that her groundsman and resident pruning expert, Phurba, takes a different approach – and this is where a sturdy snow rake becomes vital.
‘Phurba uses a roof snow rake to remove snow off the tall American boxwood surrounding my sunken Summer House garden,’ writes Martha. ‘While I do not cover these in burlap, I do wrap them in netting to prevent any snow from splaying the branches.’
‘My outdoor grounds crew is doing a great job digging out the farm from under all the snow.’ Martha concludes in her post. ‘Let’s see what the next storm system brings; if you’re affected, be careful and stay warm.’
With a little preparation and the right tools, even the heaviest snowstorms don’t have to threaten your garden. Martha’s approach shows that strong burlap, careful netting, and a trusty snow rake can keep plants safe all winter long.
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