As I’m writing this, the snow is falling heavily outside my window. For the first time in over two decades, the entire state of Wisconsin is covered in snow on December 1. While snow and cold temperatures signal the official end of the gardening season, snow is of high importance to Wisconsin gardens.
According to the National Weather Service, Outagamie County averages between 40-50 inches of snow per year. It takes 10 inches of snow to provide 1 inch of water, so the snowfall accounts for a significant portion of our annual moisture. Even though the colder temperatures have set in, Outagamie County is still considered to be in a Moderate Drought. The snow we receive this winter should hopefully put us on track for adequate moisture levels in the spring. Melting snow in the spring can help replenish the water table and retain moisture in the soil surface. When temperatures warm up and the snow starts to melt, the moisture is typically absorbed at a higher rate because there is less runoff than heavy rain.
Snow brings welcome moisture to many landscape plants, which helps prevent desiccation injury. Desiccation injury occurs when the soil is frozen and the winter winds draw moisture out of the leaves. Since the soil is frozen, plant roots are unable to uptake water from the soil to replace what has been used. While evergreens are at greatest risk, even dormant plants continue to lose moisture from twigs.
Snow provides value beyond the water that it provides. Air caught in the snow particles provides insulation for plants and soils. Two to four inches of snow can raise the soil surface temperature 30-35 degrees Fahrenheit. Even three inches of snow can significantly decrease the chance of perennial winter kill during the long cold months. This layer of protection helps regulate the temperature and prevents the repetitive freezing and thawing cycle that causes the worst damage to plants.
Heavy snow cover can also help in reducing the garden's pest and disease problems. Cold temperatures and consistent snow cover reduce populations of overwintering pests. This leads to a reduction of aphids, white flies, and many fungal spores.
In addition to being beautiful, snow plays a vital role in preparing the garden for the upcoming growing season. It provides a brilliant white backdrop to showcase ornamental plants such as red twig dogwood, winterberry, river birch, and conifers. Find more information at: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/2025/12/01/pros-and-cons-of-snow-for-plants/
References:
