How Snow Affects Garden Plants in Montgomery County, MD

The first real snowstorm of the season hits Montgomery County and the questions start rolling in.
Is my hydrangea okay? Did that new tree just get wrecked? Should I be outside brushing snow off everything?

It looks dramatic. Sometimes scary.
But how snow affects garden plants in Montgomery County, MD is usually less damaging than most homeowners expect.

Our winters are unpredictable. We bounce between mild days, sudden freezes, wet snow, and quick thaws. That pattern matters far more than the snow itself. Once you understand what snow does well—and when it becomes a problem—you can protect your landscape without overreacting.

How Snow Affects Garden Plants in Montgomery County Winters

In our region, snow often acts like a protective layer rather than a threat.

Montgomery County winters tend to bring fluctuating temperatures instead of long, deep freezes. Snow helps buffer those swings by keeping soil temperatures more consistent. That’s critical for roots, which are far more vulnerable than branches.

When snow sticks around, it can:

• Insulate soil during overnight temperature drops

• Reduce freeze-thaw cycles that loosen roots

• Protect perennials and shrubs from drying winter winds

For most established landscapes in Rockville, Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and surrounding areas, snow is doing more good than harm below the surface.

When Snow Causes Problems for Plants in the Mid-Atlantic

The real issue here isn’t cold snow.
It’s wet, heavy snow, which is common in Montgomery County.

This type of snow clings to branches and adds weight quickly. That’s when how snow affects garden plants can turn negative.

Plants most at risk include:

• Broadleaf evergreens like boxwood and cherry laurel

• Upright evergreens such as arborvitae

• Young or recently planted trees

• Tall shrubs that haven’t been structurally pruned

Branches can bend, splay, or snap—especially if snow freezes before it melts.

What Montgomery County Homeowners Should Do During Heavy Snow

If a storm brings heavy, wet snow, a little action can prevent long-term damage.

• Gently brush snow off branches with a broom

• Start at the bottom and work your way up

• Always brush downward, never upward

Avoid shaking plants aggressively. And never try to chip off ice. Ice removal almost always causes bark damage and broken limbs.

Snow, Soil, and Roots in Montgomery County Landscapes

Our clay-heavy soils make root protection especially important.

Snow helps keep soil temperatures steady, which reduces frost heaving—a common issue during Mid-Atlantic winters when temperatures bounce above and below freezing.

If you applied mulch in fall, snow works alongside it.
If you didn’t, snow still offers valuable insulation.

Either way, how snow affects garden plants underground is usually a net positive in Montgomery County gardens.

Plants That Benefit Most From Snow in Our Area

Many popular landscape plants in Montgomery County handle snow very well.

These include:

• Perennials that die back in winter

• Deciduous shrubs and trees

• Ornamental grasses left standing for winter interest

Snow protects crowns and root systems, helping these plants return stronger in spring.

Evergreens benefit too—but only if snow buildup is managed during heavy storms.

After the Snow Melts: What to Do (and Not Do)

Once snow melts, resist the urge to prune immediately.

Branches that look bent often recover once temperatures rise. Wait until late winter or early spring to assess damage accurately.

At that point:

• Remove broken or cracked branches

• Correct structural damage

• Avoid heavy pruning until plants are actively growing

Patience prevents unnecessary cuts and long-term shape issues.

FAQs: Snow and Garden Plants in Montgomery County

Is snow bad for plants in Maryland?

Most of the time, no. Snow usually protects plants in Maryland by insulating roots and stabilizing soil temperatures. Damage typically comes from heavy snow weight, not snow itself.

Should I cover plants before snowstorms?

In Montgomery County, most established plants don’t need covers. Snow provides natural protection. Covers are more useful during sudden cold snaps without snow or for newly planted, sensitive plants.

Can snow kill shrubs like boxwood or arborvitae?

Snow alone usually doesn’t. However, heavy wet snow can cause branches to split or splay. Gently removing buildup during storms helps prevent long-term damage.

Final Thoughts on How Snow Affects Garden Plants in Montgomery County, MD

Snow isn’t a sign your landscape is in trouble. In most cases, it’s part of what helps plants survive our unpredictable winters.

Understanding how snow affects garden plants in Montgomery County, MD allows you to step in only when it matters and let nature handle the rest. Come spring, that calm approach pays off with healthier plants and fewer surprises.

At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people’s lives.

The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Company, we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.

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