The Deal on Lake Snow: How It Affects Your Yard and Plants

Hey there, did you know that lake effect snow is a real thing? It’s the snow that happens when cold air blows over a warmer lake. The temperature difference causes moisture from the lake to turn into snow and fall on the nearby land. If you live within 50 miles of a lake, you’re more likely to get this type of surprise snowfall, usually in late fall or early winter when the ground and water are still warm but the air is cooling off.

Now, as a gardener, this early-season snow can be a real shocker if your plants aren’t ready for it. But the good news is, lake effect snow can actually be helpful for your garden in the long run. You just need to know how it impacts plants (the good and the bad) and take some steps to get your garden ready before the snow hits.

While the first frost usually marks the end of the growing season, snow can actually be a good thing for your garden. A nice blanket of snow insulates the soil, preventing it from freezing and keeping moisture in. And as the snow melts, it provides water for those dormant plant roots. But heavy, fast-falling lake effect snow can also cause problems. It can weigh down and break branches, and the cold air can make those branches more brittle. The snow can also provide cover for hungry pests like voles and rabbits that might snack on your dormant plants.

Now, the tricky thing about lake effect snow is that it can be hard for weather agencies to predict, so you can’t always count on advance warning. Your best bet is to start getting your garden ready in early fall if you live near a body of water. Cover up your garden beds at night with some thick landscape fabric and hoops or cold frames to insulate them. And don’t forget to top off the mulch in your perennial beds too. After the storm, gently brush off any heavy snow on your tree and shrub branches – don’t shake them, since the cold makes them brittle. Do what you can to prevent major damage, even if you can’t get all the snow off.