If the meteorologists are right, the east coast may be in for a bit of a snow storm this weekend. Make sure you’re prepared to handle the snowfall with these tips to prevent damage to your plants:

Secure your foliage. Netting and tying down your delicate shrubbery is a good way to help ensure they make it through the winter unscathed. Not only will covering your plants protect them from being weighed down and broken by heavy snow, but it can also act as insulation.

Protect your planters. If you have any free-standing planters, push them up against a shed or under an overhang. This will ensure that they’re protected from falling snow and ice that can get in the cracks of your pots and cause cracking as it expands.

Spread salt sparingly. Try to stick to the 1-and-1 rule — that’s one handful of ice melt per square yard. Remember that more salt does not mean faster results, so over-salting your walkways is not necessary. In fact, too much salt will be harmful for your plants and can damage your floors if tracked inside the home.

Shovel snow often. Don’t wait until snow has accumulated to begin shoveling. The longer you leave snow on the ground, the more time it has to harden and ice over. Plus, shoveling small amounts in more frequent intervals is better for your back!

Keep off the grass. Heavy snow accumulations can be detrimental to your lawn, making it fragile and susceptible for a variety of fungal diseases. Walking across a snowy lawn only causes the frozen layer to become more compact and harder to melt, so reducing foot traffic is key.

Best of luck battling mother nature this weekend! We’re hoping for a few calm flurries, for your yard’s sake!

Turf Unlimited is a full service lawn care provider, offering a wide variety of lawn care, fertilization, and pest and weed control services to the Massachusetts or New Hampshire area. For more information about our services call 888-649-9919 and schedule your free, in-home estimate today.