What Is the Best Way to Protect Plants During Snow Removal?

Winter in Edmonton doesn’t just affect driveways and sidewalks—it can also put your plants and landscaping at risk. While snow itself can provide an insulating blanket, heavy piles from shovelling or snow removal equipment may crush shrubs, bend branches, and damage delicate perennials. The good news? With a few careful strategies, you can keep your plants safe while still maintaining clear, accessible walkways and driveways.

Why Plants Are Vulnerable During Snow Removal

Snow acts differently depending on how it’s handled. Light, fluffy snow is generally harmless to plants, but wet or compacted snow can weigh them down and cause branches to snap. The larger risk comes when dense snow is pushed, thrown or repeatedly piled onto vulnerable shrubs and planting areas during clearing. That can bend or break branches and expose plants to salt or de-icer runoff.

1. Mark Off Planting Areas

Before the first big snowfall, place tall stakes, flags, or reflective markers around shrubs, flowerbeds, and garden edges. This makes it easy to see where plants are located—even under several inches of snow—and helps you or your snow removal crew avoid accidentally piling snow on top of them.

2. Avoid Piling Snow on Garden Beds

When clearing driveways or sidewalks, direct snow away from garden areas as much as possible. Heavy piles can crush plants and delay spring growth. Where practical, designate snow-storage areas that do not block drainage, sightlines, sidewalks or vulnerable landscaping.

For more on safe snow practices, see our post: How Often Should I Clear Snow From My Sidewalks?

3. Wrap or Cover Vulnerable Shrubs

Delicate evergreens, hedges, and ornamental shrubs are especially at risk. Wrapping them in burlap or using a protective frame (like wooden stakes with mesh) can shield them from heavy snow and drifting piles. This extra step can prevent bending, breakage, and winter burn.

4. Use Ice Melt Products Carefully

Salt-based ice melts can harm both plants and soil. When snow melts in spring, the salt can leach into garden beds, drying out roots and stunting plant health. Sand can provide traction without melting ice, while calcium magnesium acetate is generally less corrosive than traditional chloride salts. Neither option is impact-free, so use the minimum amount needed and keep concentrated runoff away from planting beds.

Check out our post: How Do I Prevent Ice Damage to My Driveway This Winter? for more safe ice melt tips.

5. Choose Professional Snow Removal Services That Care for Landscaping

Not all snow removal services prioritize landscaping protection. At Neighbourhood Heroes, we use electric snow-removal equipment where specified in the service and train crews to be mindful of marked landscaping and designated snow-storage areas. Our residential snow packages include ice-melt application when conditions require it. Products should still be used according to their label and applied carefully near vegetation to limit unnecessary exposure.

If you’re wondering what to look for in a provider, don’t miss our guide: How Do I Choose the Right Snow Removal Service in Edmonton?

Final Thoughts

Protecting your plants during snow removal is all about planning ahead. By marking planting areas, avoiding dense snow piles on vulnerable shrubs, protecting sensitive plants and using de-icers carefully, you can reduce avoidable winter damage. No de-icer should be treated as completely plant-safe at every concentration or application rate.

👉 Contact Neighbourhood Heroes today to learn more about our snow removal packages and how we keep your property safe—plants included.