Low Snow Winter?

Many landscape contractors who operate in snowfall areas supplement their landscape installation business with snow removal in the winter. 2011 was a terrible year for them, and while it's impossible to predict the remainder of the 2013 winter, so far snowfall has been low.

Chicago
In the Chicago area, weather experts say 2012 will break the 1994 record for the number of days between measurable snowfalls in the Chicago area, which is 280 days, according to a story in the???(R)???AE'?N????e'?N,A+Chicago Tribune.

As of mid-December, The Midwest was currently experiencing a snow drought. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) reports the U.S. Lower 48 snowpack is one quarter of the most recent 10-year average for early December.

The El Nino in the Pacific Ocean is one of the factors in determining whether much of the country receives significant moisture this winter, Currently, El Nino is almost nonexistent, and it's unclear if it will return in the coming months. After a brief, weak El Nino appeared earlier this fall, it disappeared entirely, making it nearly impossible for scientists to forecast how wet this winter will be.

A Snowy 2013?
"We were supposed to have a strong El Nino this winter; however, that petered out, and its influence is no longer there, said Jeff Boyne, a forecaster for the National Weather Service station in La Crosse.

Boyne said there doesn't appear to be much influence from the Gulf of Mexico, which tends to bring warm, moist air and heavy snowfalls. Instead, it appears the main influence during the winter will come from Canada, where colder, drier air provides lighter snowfalls, which could mean a repeat of last year's low-snow winter.

Wisconsin
So far this winter, most of Wisconsin has experienced warmer than average temperatures, and well below average snowfall totals. Through central Wisconsin had averaged about an inch of snow, which fell November 6 and quickly melted.

The Climate Prediction Center currently is forecasting a warmer than average December, with average precipitation for most of Wisconsin. Snowfall last year was light compared to historical averages. Wisconsin Rapids received 16 inches of snow last winter, according to the National Weather Service. That's more than 2 feet less than what a typical winter brings.

"Last year's winter was definitely milder compared to normal," said Kevin King, the Schofield Public Works Director. "We hauled a lot less snow than we normally would have."

Despite the less than average snowfalls for most of the region, "precipitation levels were near normal, which surprised everyone," Boyne said. "When precipitation fell, it was rain."

Protecting Client Landscapes
Experts recommend recommended homeowners take the time to water outdoor trees and shrubs. While some of the country has had some rainfall and the heat has abated, the sub soil has not gotten sufficient water this season and the root balls of established and new plantings are extremely dry.

Experts recommended landscape maintenance professionals continue watering until temps are continuously dipping below 32 degrees. The extra effort made now and until the ground freezes will pay off next spring.

For any new plantings and especially evergreens and broadleaf evergreens, now is the time to apply an anti-desicant leaf protector. An application of Wilt Pruf helps lock in moisture and prevent winter burn.