Extreme Weather Patterns May be Taking a Toll on Yards

Remember when the local weather was predictable?

Part of the joy of being a New Englander has always been the anticipation of the coming season and its predictability. It is not normal to have a major snowstorm on Halloween or 85-degree weather and plants in bloom in mid-March.

The new year has brought record warmth in winter, virtually no snow, and record warm days with drought conditions in early spring. The weather has swung from one extreme to the other in record-breaking fashion more than just a few times.

For some, these extremes have caused hardship including roof collapses from heavy snow, interior damage from ice damming, flooded basements from heavy rains and crushed cars and fences from fallen trees.

The trees, plants, and lawn are feeling the impact of these weather extremes as well. Broken limbs and internal cracking on trees may lead to increased insect pressure which in turn forces the tree to be cut down or replaced. Too much rain may lead to root rot in some plants. Alternatively, not enough rain may damage one's lawn and those not-so-resilient plants.

Thankfully, there a method to combat extreme weather pattern's toll on one's yard.

When planting trees and shrubs, be sure to plant species that are durable and native to the area. Forsythia, lilacs, holly, blueberry, maple and apple trees are all excellent choices for the Norfolk and Bristol County areas. If delicate plants are chosen for the yard, remember to protect the delicate plants (especially arborvitaes) from heavy winter snows by wrapping them with burlap.

Paying close attention to lawn care in extreme weather is also crucial to protecting one's yard. In the event of extreme weather, increase the depth of the topsoil with a loam/compost mix.  A depth of 4 inches or more is ideal for growing healthy roots and increasing survival during drought conditions.  Adding compost is very beneficial for one's lawn. And, yes, watering one's plants and lawn as early as April may be necessary, too.

Extreme weather isn't completely detrimental to yards, as it encourages better choices when adding new plants to the landscape.