Some might think that a mild winter with minimal snow is no problem for our Midwestern plants, but landscape industry professionals think otherwise. Snow cover helps insulate plant roots from extreme cold weather. It also releases moisture slowly into the soil during a typical spring thaw. Minimal snow cover can expose our Midwestern plants to dangerous cold and dry conditions.  The chance of a late season “deep-freeze” still exists in February and March. With no snow cover as insulation, our plants are at risk of damage.

Will the mild temperatures result in more insects and pests for our plants? Recent history and studies have shown that insects that can damage our landscapes are pretty hardy “buggers”. According to University of Illinois Extension Entomologist Dr. Phil Nixon, “We would need to experience a winter colder than what is typical for International Falls, MN to see much of an effect on the insect populations”.  A “warmer than normal” winter indicates then that insects and disease will be just as prolific, if not more, than normal.