How do I protect foundation plantings from heavy snow loads in NB?

Protecting foundation plantings from heavy snow loads in New Brunswick requires a combination of physical supports, strategic placement, and proactive snow management throughout the winter season. With NB averaging 250-300 cm of snowfall annually, plus periodic ice storms, the weight of accumulated snow and ice can crush, split, and permanently deform shrubs planted along house foundations.

The most effective physical protection is tying or caging upright evergreens before winter. Columnar arborvitae, upright junipers, and pyramidal cedars are especially vulnerable to splaying — where heavy snow forces branches apart, ruining the plant's form permanently. In late October or early November, wrap these shrubs with soft twine or nylon stocking material in a spiral from base to tip, gently drawing the branches together. Don't wrap so tightly that you compress the foliage — just enough to prevent branches from spreading under snow weight. For broader shrubs like yews and boxwood, build a simple A-frame shelter from plywood or lumber that sheds snow away from the plant.

Roof snow avalanches are one of the biggest threats to NB foundation plantings. When accumulated snow and ice slide off a roof all at once, they can snap branches, crush entire shrubs, and compact the soil around root zones. If you notice this happening regularly, install snow guards or snow rails on the roof above vulnerable plantings — these break up the sliding snow mass into smaller, less damaging pieces. Snow guards cost $5-15 each and are a fraction of the cost of replacing mature shrubs.

During winter, manage snow around foundation plantings actively rather than passively. After major snowfalls, gently brush heavy snow off shrubs with an upward sweeping motion using a broom. Never pull snow downward, as this breaks branches. For ice-coated plants, do not attempt to remove ice — let it melt naturally. The branches will bend but usually recover once the ice melts. If a branch does crack under ice or snow load, make a clean pruning cut back to the next lateral branch or bud in spring.

Consider your plant selection when landscaping near NB foundations. Choose flexible-branched species that can handle snow loads — Japanese yew, mugo pine, and many native NB shrubs like bayberry naturally shed snow well. Avoid brittle species like some ornamental cherry varieties near drip lines. Space foundation plantings at least 3 feet from the house wall to allow room for snow accumulation between the plant and the foundation, and to ensure adequate air circulation that prevents moisture damage. If your foundation plantings are already established in vulnerable positions, a professional landscape assessment ($100-200) can identify the highest-risk plants and recommend targeted protection strategies.

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