After November’s record snowfall, here are some tips for combating bent tree syndrome

I am breaking Garden Writing Rule No. 2: Don’t ever write anything about snow. The rule recognizes that writing about the white stuff leads to blame for it.

Case in point. We had the Big One a couple of weeks back. I may have been responsible because I wrote about snow shovels the week before. Why didn’t I write about sunshine and the need for sunblock during our winter?

Too late now, which is why homeowners are asking about the bent tree syndrome we are all experiencing as a result of wet and heavy snow clinging to branches. Weeping trees and bushes abound! These will be around for years.

Of course, the way to prevent weeping branches is to knock snow off them while it is accumulating or prop them up with two-by-fours before it snows. Who does that? Once the snow has accumulated, there are two schools of though as what to do.

The first advocates simply leaving things be. The idea is that removing the snow can cause the branch damage, either as a result of the physical removal or causing it to snap as the snow is released. This is not a school from which I graduated even though its adherents say the branch will straighten out itself once spring comes along.

The other school of thought is to use a broom or long pole to clear the snow off so the branch doesn’t continue to bend under the weight of snow. Doing so might actually help the plant develop stress resistance to the next snow. The trick, and you don’t need me to tell you, is to stand clear so you don’t get snow down the back of your jacket and shirt or get hurt by springing branches and even a falling tree. (Do stay away from leaners until spring.)

Ever hear an exploding tree? You might while you are out there clearing snow. This is as a result of tree sap freezing. The plumbing of a tree, xylem and phloem tubes, can act just like a pipe. Water expands when it freezes. Under certain conditions this can cause the pipes to burst open. It sounds like a gunshot.

These explosions are rarely fatal to the tree or bush as it has hundreds, if not thousands, of these “pipes.” Moreover, they are somewhat flexible and can stretch a bit. Still, you may hear popping or exploding sounds while working outside in the winters or even while sitting inside on a cold winter day or night.

Listen to the “Teaming with Microbes” podcast with Jeff Lowenfels and Jonathan White

Of course, shrubs and trees employ tricks to keep from freezing. To keep individual cells from freezing (which would be fatal to it), some trees reduce the amount of water in each cell. And some can reduce the amount of impurities which keeps things from freezing. Still, others trees may develop “frost cracks” as tree bark can be damaged during these cold weather episodes.

And, some trees produce extra sugars. These act like plant antifreeze and can lower the freezing point of water. This is exactly why maple and birch saps are so sweet. In fact, one study showed that by employing these tricks, tree sap can freeze some 17 degrees below its normal freezing point.

One last point. It is true that snow-laden tree branches can easily break. It is critical that you pay attention when you are walking or working underneath them. Be careful out there. We have a long winter ahead.

Jeff’s Alaska Garden Calendar:

Alaska Botanical Garden: www.alaskabg.org! Lights, classes and workshops. You don’t have to be a member, but why not join and get reduce rates and member only advantages and support one heck of a great organization!

Thrips: Too-wet soil attracts them, so let things dry at least on the soil surface. Cut newspaper or a paper bag to cover the soil. Do not use this column.

Poinsettias: It is best to look at the flowers, not the bracts when buying. Try to get the ones where the flower is not yet open.