March the first was the start of the metrological spring and what weather we are seeing. The last time there was this amount of snow in the garden was the long winter of 2010/11.

With the strong east wind, drifting of the dry powdery snow was expected, but check above your head too. The wind has caused a build-up of snow crystals that bind and form ledges creating an overhang usually on the west facing walls of buildings. These build up in the drainage gutters and then grow outwards. These fragile ledges are likely to suddenly drop. What you have planted beneath can be at risk of damage. Domed evergreen shrubs will split apart, wall trained fruit trees; similarly, will not support a sudden fall of densely packed snow.

Using a long sturdy cane or wooden pole gently shave off the overhang. Slowly with a bread knife like slicing action reduce the weight of the ice crystal/snow overhang.  While accessing the task be aware of the plants you may be standing on buried beneath the snow.

As the temperature rises the gulley’s and gutters will need to take all the melt water away. A timely reminder that these repay a twice yearly clean in anticipation of an event like this.

Snow overhang

Snow weight gradually