Posted by Kevin Brown on February 12, 2010 at 2:58 PM
This question arises from a trip I have planned to the Cherry Blossom Festival in DC the first of April. The concern has wider ramificaitons.
With the BIG winter stroms goong on in the Northeast what is the effect on the Spring Blooms and obvious Photographic opportunities.
I think that it will be a hidden blessing in that the extra winter water will provide a special abundance and give a bigger, brighter and maybe longer blooming season.
I've been in living in the country most of my life and thing the logic is sound but wanted to get another opinion.
Thanks,
Posted by Dan Borzynski on February 12, 2010 at 7:21 PM
At least for the Cherry Blossom festival, I wouldn't worry about it.
Severe cold - not really an issue with the storm. 10-17 F is not severe cold.
Damage to the trees from the weight of snow. All the leaves are down and it is just empty branches there really isn't enough surface area to collect a lot of snow. This might be more of an issue with pines that have a much larger surface area to collect snow or some oaks that may retain a fair proportion of their leaves through the winter.
The crappy plowing/snow removal you get in the DC area. That might be the real issue.
Yeah, these storms are pretty big but unless you get ice or can get a lot of snow to actually stay on a tree branch, it really isn't that big of a deal.
Cherry trees are reasonably hardy. I wouldn't worry about it.
Posted by Bill Fach on February 12, 2010 at 8:27 PM
Kevin: Here in Texas winter has a major impact on the spring wildflower bloom, especially bluebonnets. A wet fall and cold/wet winter almost always presage a verdant spring. This winter has been great in that regard so I'm anticipating a banner spring which will really be nice since last year really stunk. I would love to see the cherry trees in DC. If you ever plan on making a trek to Texas this may be the year. >=))>
Posted by Kevin Brown on February 14, 2010 at 8:31 AM
Thanks, good info from both.
Bill, I leave about 40 miles from Houston and some of what my question was based on was the point you make. Hopefully the good ground water and natural pruning and other processes will provide a good blooming time for that area with it does here.
Dan, Thanks for the obvious experienced based info. Dont get into that much winter weather and your points are just the info I needed. I still have green grass, I forget about natures methods in those matters.
Discussion
3 repliesWith the BIG winter stroms goong on in the Northeast what is the effect on the Spring Blooms and obvious Photographic opportunities.
I think that it will be a hidden blessing in that the extra winter water will provide a special abundance and give a bigger, brighter and maybe longer blooming season.
I've been in living in the country most of my life and thing the logic is sound but wanted to get another opinion.
Thanks,
Severe cold - not really an issue with the storm. 10-17 F is not severe cold.
Damage to the trees from the weight of snow. All the leaves are down and it is just empty branches there really isn't enough surface area to collect a lot of snow. This might be more of an issue with pines that have a much larger surface area to collect snow or some oaks that may retain a fair proportion of their leaves through the winter.
The crappy plowing/snow removal you get in the DC area. That might be the real issue.
Yeah, these storms are pretty big but unless you get ice or can get a lot of snow to actually stay on a tree branch, it really isn't that big of a deal.
Cherry trees are reasonably hardy. I wouldn't worry about it.
Bill, I leave about 40 miles from Houston and some of what my question was based on was the point you make. Hopefully the good ground water and natural pruning and other processes will provide a good blooming time for that area with it does here.
Dan, Thanks for the obvious experienced based info. Dont get into that much winter weather and your points are just the info I needed. I still have green grass, I forget about natures methods in those matters.
Thanks,