Snow Cover Preservation: 5 Simple Methods for Snow Retention at the Cottage 0 6

Comment by agronomist Petr Sinykovsky:

— There are many ways to retain snow, but I would like to highlight the simplest ones that do not require significant effort and time — so that you can get everything done in a short time at the cottage.

The first method is the familiar spruce branches. We tie spruce twigs (the more needles, the better) into improvised brooms and lay them in key places: on the beds, in flower gardens, under trees. They will help accumulate snow in one place — then it can be transferred to other areas where it is needed.

The second method is using plastic decorative fences that have been removed for the winter, which during the season enclose flower beds. This is a very convenient solution: they hold snow well, are easy to move, and it is not difficult to find the right length. Moreover, their appearance will not suffer from such use.

The third method is even simpler: between trees, shrubs, or fences, we use the existing snow and form mounds from it. However, this is only possible if there is enough snow on the site or even in excess.

The fourth method is using a net made of any material. Trees or improvised stakes made from available materials can be used as supports for stretching it. If available, you can entangle the same spruce branches in the net — this will enhance the effect.

The fifth method is windbreak barriers. Shields made of any material, such as plywood or fiberboard, at least one meter high and about one and a half meters wide. They are usually placed in a checkerboard pattern in open areas.

Once in winter, I tried another method recommended by acquaintances — I placed old car tires on the site, but I was dissatisfied: the smell of rubber lingered in some places for a long time. Additionally, their composition is not very favorable for the soil, so I do not recommend using this method.