3' Acer palmatum dissectum 'Viridis'

This past week we've received a few calls about the large amounts of snowfall and possible damage to the ornamental plants in the landscape such as Japanese Maples and Arborvitae.  Should the snow be knocked off or left in place? Here are some tips for dealing with snow:

• Snow acts as a wonderful insulator, helping temperatures at the root zone to stay constant and protecting branches and buds from freezing winds.

• Leaving snow and ice in place is usually recommended.  Branches are far more prone to breakage when snow and ice is being removed than if left alone.
   
• Take a look at where the snow is mounded from the plow and shoveling. Design, or re-design, your landscapes keeping this in mind. Use tough plants like Spiraea that are forgiving under the weight of piles of snow and ice. Others include low-growing Juniper, dwarf Spruce, Deutzia 'Nikko' and Cotoneaster. Dwarf ornamental grasses will not  be affected either and the larger grasses, other than being crushed, and will be fine for the next growing season.

• Damage from de-icing salts used on roads and walkways are harmful and their use should be limited as much as possible. Signs of damage include leaf burn and browning needles. Entire leaves can be affected and drop prematurely. Buds may fail to open or grow, and branches may die. Sometimes deciduous trees may exhibit early fall color and leaf drop. Take a look at this informative article on Plants Tolerant of Salt Conditions.
   
• Splayed, arching leaders of Arborvitae can be loosly tied once snow has melted to help it recover its shape.

Winter Lecture Series

We're excited that this is our third year offering free informative talks during the winter months!  This session we are again offering three lectures; one geared to improving your business strategies (details coming soon) and two that will teach you about common problems affecting ornamental plants. The best news is that we are able to provide Pesticide Credits from the State of Connecticut!  All lectures are held in our sales office in Newtown.  

Euonymus Scale

 1. Tuesday, Feb 8th at 1:30 pm (snow date: Wed. Feb 9th) Mark Kokinchak, from our Newtown Yard, will talk about an insect pest that often goes unnoticed, until it's too late. A Close Look at Scale Insects are tiny parasitic insects that affect a wide range of both evergreen and deciduous plants. Knowing what to look for, and when, is critical to its treatment. Help protect your customers' landscape with this important information!    Receive 1.5 credits for this class for CT 3a, 3b, and 3d.  

2. Wednesday, March 2, at 1:30pm (snowdate: Tues. March 8)

Leaf spot on Rudbeckia

IMPORTANT! REGISTER EARLY as space is limited.  

Tel. 203-426-4037 (Newtown Office) or reply to this email (sbarbier@planterschoice.com) to make sure you are on our list. Hope to see you then!

February 2-4  New England Grows, one of the largest horticultural and green industry events in North America - known for its progressive educational conference and world-class trade show (over 1300 booths!) See the Schedule at a Glance. It's always an inspiring event! 

 Thursday, March 10 UCONN's Perennial Plant Conference  for the Professional Horticulturist.  Educational opportunities for the Pro held on campus at the Lewis B. Rome Commons in Storrs, CT. Two sessions of interesting speakers will talk about the Native Plant Palette, Sustainable Landscapes, Great Flowering Shrubs and many others. Check out the full schedule and register soon!

Have A Great Weekend!