Trees And Shrubs Take A Beating From Winter Weather

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Trees and shrubs have already taken a beating from Old Man Winter this season and now we are getting another mix of snow, sleet and rain on top of what is already there.

It's nice looking out the window and seeing your yard transformed into a winter wonderland, but it's not so nice when you realize the weight of the snow and ice is weighing down your trees and shrubs.

P.J. Philiposian is a landscape designer in Delaware County. He recommends using a small broom with a long handle to brush off any snow you can reach, but don't be forceful. Anything leftover typically won't damage the health of the plant.

"Worst case scenarios are, branches will break and they will have to be pruned off after the snow melts away.  Larger evergreens will have voids or gaps where the branches were broken and it will give it a misshapen look."

Philiposian says safety is the top priority. If you think your tree is going to fall, don't reinforce it on your own.

Reported by Suzanne Monaghan, KYW Newsradio 1060