Severe winter may harm fruit and berry gardens

Damage to gardens can be caused by unfrozen soil under a layer of snow, damage inflicted by rodents, drying out of the root collar of trees, as well as the risk of freezing young shoots.

As explained by senior specialist at the horticulture center Maris Narvils, a permanent snow cover formed at the end of 2025, which gradually increased to 15–30 centimeters. Snow is a good thermal insulator, and since it fell on unfrozen soil, the root system of biennial and perennial plants continues to function, depleting the accumulated nutrients, which should not happen in winter.

The risk of these plants dying can be reduced by compacting the snow around trees and shrubs - then the soil will freeze, and the root system will be forced to enter the much-needed winter dormancy period. There is also a risk of drying out the root collar of trees and shrubs, which can also be mitigated by compacting the snow cover.

The LCCO notes that young fruit trees are also threatened by rodents, as loose snow does not hinder them from reaching the bark of the trees.

This winter, there is an increased risk of damage to the above-ground parts of recently planted fruit trees and shrubs, and they can only be saved by completely covering them with winter agrotextile; however, this is impossible over large areas, so there is a risk of freezing. According to the center's forecasts, last year's shoots longer than 50 centimeters may freeze first.

At the same time, as noted by the center, it is impossible to assess the specific extent of the damage until spring.