We’re in for our first winter storm of the season. Snowstorms can be fun if you don’t have to travel, but this one makes me uneasy because in addition to 3-6 inches of snow, it’s possible we could receive a half-inch or more of ice accumulation on top of the snow. As a child, I vividly remember watching large tree branches crack and fall one after the other in the big ice storm of 1976. Then came the power outages. Our house is surrounded by giant oaks and hickories. I wouldn’t want any of them to get damaged because they attract so many birds and animals.
We also have about 40 small arborvitae trees bordering our backyard. Besides being a lush, green backdrop for all my summer flowers, they add color to the drab winter landscape. The only downside is that when we get heavy snowfalls, I have to go outside with a broom and brush the snow off the branches to keep them from snapping and warping. Heavy snow with a thick layer of ice on top of it could be the kiss of death for the little trees, especially since we’re supposed to get gusty winds over 30 miles per hour later today and tonight.
Despite the fact that the neighbors are going to have a field day with this one, I took some drastic measures.
While most people were still asleep this morning, my husband and I snuck outside with clear plastic bags and clothespins and covered the top of all of our arborvitaes. I’m sure there is a lot of giggling and head-shaking going on at breakfast tables in my neighborhood this morning. I’m convinced even my husband isn’t sure if I have all my wits about me, but he kindly played along anyway.
It remains to be seen if I’m an evil genius or whether this is one of the dumbest things I’ve ever tried. We’ll soon find out. The first snowflakes have begun to fall.