Plants to Help with Winter Snow Drifting

Table of Contents

What is Snow Drifting?

Before diving into the plants that can help, let’s first understand what snow drifting is. Snow drifting occurs when snow, either from a fresh snowfall or from existing snow, is blown by strong winds into a pile or drift. The wind moves the snow across flat or open areas and piles it up in one location. Drifting can happen anywhere in open fields, along fences, or even in corners of buildings where wind speed increases and catches the snow.

Snow drifting can be a problem for homeowners in regions that experience heavy snow and high winds. It can block driveways, walkways, and roads, making it difficult to access your property. It can also damage plants and lawns by creating thick layers of snow that deprive them of sunlight and warmth. Snow drifting around structures can also lead to additional maintenance costs and create dangerous ice patches when the snow melts and refreezes.

The good news is that you can help reduce or prevent drifting in your yard by planting the right plants in strategic locations.

How Plants Help with Snow Drifting

Plants can be used to control and reduce snow drifting in a variety of ways. Their primary function is to act as natural windbreaks. By creating barriers that block or redirect the wind, plants prevent snow from being carried too far, allowing it to settle in controlled areas. Here are a few key benefits plants offer when it comes to controlling snow drifting:

Windbreaks: Tall or dense plants can help slow down the wind, preventing it from picking up snow and blowing it across your yard.
Snow Containment: By planting strategically, you can guide where the snow drifts and prevent it from piling up in inconvenient locations like driveways or walkways.
Aesthetic Appeal: In addition to their functional benefits, the plants you choose can enhance the beauty of your garden or landscape, even in the colder months.
Wildlife Habitat: Some plants can also provide shelter and food for local wildlife during the winter, making your garden a more biodiverse space.

Now that we understand the role plants play in controlling snow drifting, let’s take a look at some of the best plants to help with snow drifting.

1. Evergreen Trees

Evergreen trees are a highly effective option for controlling snow drifting due to their ability to retain foliage throughout the year. These trees are especially useful during winter because their thick canopies act as wind barriers, preventing snow from being carried by strong winds across open spaces. With their dense, year-round foliage, evergreen trees not only create a solid windbreak but also offer a range of other benefits, including privacy, shade, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re looking to block snow from your driveway, garden, or property line, evergreen trees are a great choice for creating a natural and effective solution.

Evergreen trees come in a variety of sizes and shapes, making them suitable for different landscape designs. Tall, wide trees can form large windbreaks, while smaller varieties can be used to fill in gaps and prevent drifting in specific areas.

Types of Evergreen Trees for Snow Drifting

Pine Trees (Pinus spp.)

Pine trees are a classic choice for snow drifting control. Known for their tall, stately form and dense branches, pine trees are ideal for breaking the wind and preventing snow from accumulating in your yard. The needle-like foliage of pine trees is particularly resistant to heavy snow and harsh winds, making them well-suited for regions that experience frequent winter storms.

Pine trees come in a range of varieties, including the Eastern white pine, Scots pine, and Red pine. Their height and wide-spreading branches make them an excellent option for large-scale windbreaks along property lines or open fields.

Key Features:

Height: Typically 30 to 80 feet (depending on variety).
Foliage: Long, slender needles that are resistant to snow accumulation.
Berries or Cones: Cones are often present, attracting wildlife.

Benefits:

Excellent wind protection due to dense needle clusters.
Year-round green foliage adds color to winter landscapes.
Provides habitats for birds and small mammals.

Spruce Trees (Picea spp.)

Spruce trees are another fantastic option for reducing snow drifting. Their stiff, spiky needles and conical shape help them stand up to harsh winds and heavy snowfall, effectively trapping snow in place. Varieties like the Norway spruce or Colorado blue spruce can grow large and dense, creating an effective barrier against snow and wind.

Spruce trees are often used in both windbreaks and privacy screens due to their dense foliage and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. Their upright shape makes them especially useful in areas where you need to direct snow away from specific spots, such as driveways or gardens.

Key Features:

Height: Varies, but many can grow up to 60 feet tall.
Foliage: Dense, short needles in a stiff arrangement.
Berries or Cones: Cones that provide food for birds in winter.

Benefits:

Strong wind resistance due to its dense foliage and conical shape.
Adaptable to various soil types and conditions.
Excellent for creating privacy barriers and controlling snow drift.

Fir Trees (Abies spp.)

Fir trees, like the Balsam or Fraser fir, are also great for snow drifting control. Known for their thick, sturdy branches and soft, flat needles, fir trees offer excellent wind protection. Their dense foliage traps windblown snow and prevents it from drifting across your yard. Fir trees are also visually striking, with their upright shape and glossy green needles, making them a popular choice for ornamental landscapes as well.

These trees are particularly effective when planted in rows to create a thick windbreak, and they can be maintained at a moderate height with regular pruning.

Key Features:

Height: Typically 30 to 60 feet.
Foliage: Soft, flat needles that form a dense canopy.
Cones: Upright cones that add winter interest.

Benefits:

Excellent at trapping snow and reducing wind velocity.
Adaptable to various soil types, including acidic soils.
Beautiful evergreen foliage adds year-round visual appeal.

Cedar Trees (Cedrus spp.)

Cedar trees, although typically not as tall as pines or spruces, can be highly effective in reducing snow drifting when planted in rows or clusters. Cedars are known for their dense, leathery foliage that can provide a thick, hedge-like windbreak. The shape and density of their branches make them excellent at shielding against snow accumulation.

Cedar trees, such as the Eastern red cedar or Atlas cedar, offer strong wind resistance and are well-suited for both functional and ornamental purposes. Their drought tolerance makes them a good choice for areas with less water availability.

Key Features:

Height: Generally 30 to 60 feet.
Foliage: Dark green to blue-green, with dense, aromatic leaves.
Cones: Small, round cones that are less conspicuous.

Benefits:

Dense foliage provides excellent protection against wind and snow.
A good choice for a lower-maintenance landscape.
Great for smaller yards and urban settings where space is limited.

Placement Tips for Evergreen Trees

Along Property Lines: To create a natural windbreak, plant evergreen trees along the edges of your property. This will block the wind and reduce snow drifting from open areas into your yard.
Near Driveways and Walkways: Evergreen trees can be planted near driveways or walkways to prevent snow accumulation in high-traffic areas. The trees will slow the wind and help control where the snow drifts.
Grouping Together: Plant evergreen trees in groups rather than individual specimens. This increases the density of the windbreak and improves snow control. A solid barrier of trees is more effective at blocking wind and trapping snow than scattered, individual trees.
Spacing and Size: Consider the eventual size of the trees and allow enough space between them to grow to their full height. Smaller trees can be planted closer together for quicker coverage.

2. Shrubs and Bushes

Shrubs and bushes can be valuable additions to your snow drifting defense plan, particularly in smaller landscapes or as supplemental barriers to larger trees. While they may not offer the same scale of protection as towering evergreen trees, shrubs are compact and can help break up the wind and reduce its ability to carry snow. By planting dense, low-growing shrubs, you can create windbreaks that prevent snow from drifting into vulnerable areas of your landscape.

Shrubs are also versatile in their use, as they can be planted near walkways, driveways, or flower beds to prevent snow from accumulating and causing disruptions. In addition to their functional benefits, shrubs and bushes provide added visual interest and can be used in ornamental gardens.

Types of Shrubs for Snow Drifting Control

Boxwood (Buxus spp.)

Boxwood is one of the most popular evergreen shrubs for creating natural windbreaks and controlling snow drifting. Its dense, compact growth habit makes it an ideal choice for forming low hedges or screens. Boxwoods are well-suited for colder climates and provide year-round coverage, helping to block snow from blowing into your yard. When planted in rows, they create an effective, aesthetically pleasing barrier against snow drift.

Key Features:

Height: Typically 3 to 5 feet tall.
Foliage: Glossy, dense evergreen leaves.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers in spring.

Benefits:

Dense foliage offers effective wind resistance.
Works well in both formal and informal landscapes.
Easy to prune and shape, making them adaptable to various design styles.

Holly (Ilex spp.)

Holly shrubs are another excellent choice for controlling snow drifting. The glossy, spiny leaves of holly not only add visual interest to your landscape but also provide effective windbreaks. With their evergreen foliage, hollies help prevent snow from drifting into gardens and walkways. Additionally, many holly varieties produce bright red berries in winter, creating a striking contrast against the snow and offering a splash of color in your winter landscape.

Key Features:

Height: Typically 3 to 10 feet tall.
Foliage: Glossy, spiny, evergreen leaves.
Berries: Bright red or orange berries that persist through winter.

Benefits:

Effective at blocking wind and snow.
Provides winter interest with colorful berries.
Adds a festive touch to holiday landscapes.

Yew (Taxus spp.)

Yew shrubs are renowned for their dense, evergreen foliage, making them perfect for blocking wind and reducing snow drifting. Yews are adaptable to a wide range of soil types and growing conditions, making them a reliable choice for a variety of landscapes. Their ability to be pruned into formal shapes also makes them ideal for creating neat, organized windbreaks.

Key Features:

Height: Varies depending on variety, but can reach 6 to 15 feet.
Foliage: Dark green, needle-like leaves that form dense clusters.
Berries: Red berries, though not all varieties produce them.

Benefits:

Provides strong wind resistance and snow control.
Adaptable to different growing conditions, including shady spots.
Tolerates pruning, making them perfect for structured hedges.

Juniper (Juniperus spp.)

Juniper shrubs are another hardy option for creating barriers against snow drifting. These shrubs are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and grow well in a variety of soil types. Junipers have a spreading growth habit, which helps them cover ground quickly and create an effective windbreak. The dense foliage helps prevent snow from drifting across the landscape.

Key Features:

Height: Varies, but typically 3 to 10 feet tall.
Foliage: Dense, needle-like evergreen leaves.
Berries: Small, bluish-purple cones that attract wildlife.

Benefits:

Hardy and low-maintenance, suitable for tough conditions.
Provides effective snow control and wind protection.
Offers attractive foliage and year-round interest.

Placement Tips for Shrubs and Bushes

Create Windbreak Hedges: Use shrubs like boxwood, holly, or juniper to form windbreak hedges along property lines or around vulnerable areas, such as gardens and patios. These barriers help reduce snow drift by blocking wind and trapping snow in place.
Cluster Plants Together: To maximize their snow-blocking effect, plant shrubs in clusters or rows. A well-grouped hedge can form a more effective barrier than isolated shrubs, especially if different species are mixed together.
Near Low-lying Areas: Shrubs are particularly effective in low-lying areas where snow tends to accumulate. By planting them in these spots, you can create a natural barrier that reduces snow drift and prevents snow from piling up in unwanted areas.

3. Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are often an underutilized option when it comes to managing snow drifting, but they can be incredibly effective at slowing and capturing windblown snow. These grasses offer a more natural, aesthetically pleasing solution for landscapes, particularly where a formal or rigid appearance is not desired. Their tall, feathery plumes sway in the wind, which helps to catch snowflakes and prevent them from drifting too far across your yard.

Ornamental grasses provide not only a functional role in snow control but also a visual interest throughout the seasons. In winter, their dried seed heads and plumes add texture and movement to otherwise bare landscapes. The flexibility of grasses allows them to be used in a variety of settings, from naturalistic gardens to more manicured yards, where they can complement other elements of your landscape.

Types of Ornamental Grasses for Snow Drifting Control

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass is a tall, native grass that reaches between 4 to 6 feet in height. Its stature makes it an ideal candidate for creating windbreaks or barriers that trap windblown snow. The plant has a loose, airy structure with fine, upright foliage that catches snowflakes and prevents them from drifting across your property. Switchgrass is hardy and can thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it a low-maintenance choice for snow drifting control.

The plant’s arching form adds dynamic texture to your landscape, especially in the winter months when it retains its shape even after snow accumulates on the blades. Switchgrass also offers year-round interest as its seed heads turn golden in the fall and fade to silvery tones during the winter, creating a striking contrast against snow.

Key Features:

Height: 4 to 6 feet tall.
Foliage: Upright, with fine, airy blades that catch snow.
Fall Color: Golden-brown tones that persist into winter.

Benefits:

Creates a natural windbreak that traps snow and slows its movement.
Tolerates a variety of soil types and can handle both wet and dry conditions.
Provides visual interest through seasonal color changes.

Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Little Bluestem is a native grass that is well-suited for areas where you want to reduce snow drifting but maintain a more natural, rustic aesthetic. This grass can grow to about 2 to 4 feet in height and has a distinctive blue-green color that turns reddish-orange in the fall. While it’s not as tall as some other ornamental grasses, its upright form still helps slow the wind and trap snow in the winter months.

Little Bluestem is particularly effective in prairies, meadows, or naturalized landscapes where you want to create a natural snow barrier. It also provides excellent habitat for wildlife and attracts birds in the fall and winter months due to its seeds. When planted in groups, it can help reduce snow accumulation in open, wind-prone areas.

Key Features:

Height: 2 to 4 feet tall.
Foliage: Blue-green color that transitions to reddish-orange in fall.
Fall Color: Beautiful orange and red hues for winter interest.

Benefits:

All About Chill Hours: Winter’s Gift to Your Plants

Effective at controlling snow drifting, especially in meadows and natural landscapes.
Adds vertical structure and seasonal color to winter gardens.
A native grass that supports local wildlife.

Feather Reed Grass (Calamagrostis acutiflora)

Feather Reed Grass is a popular ornamental grass that grows in clumps and can reach 3 to 5 feet in height. Its narrow, upright foliage is perfect for trapping wind and snow in more structured landscapes. Feather Reed Grass is particularly effective when planted in rows along fences, pathways, or property boundaries, where wind tends to funnel through. The plant’s feathery seed heads are attractive and catch snow, which slows down the wind and prevents snow from blowing across the landscape.

Feather Reed Grass is highly adaptable to a range of soil types and is known for its resilience in colder climates, making it a great option for snow drifting control in regions with harsh winters.

Key Features:

Height: 3 to 5 feet tall.
Foliage: Narrow, upright blades that hold their form.
Seed Heads: Feathery, attractive seed heads that persist through winter.

Benefits:

Serves as an effective windbreak and snow barrier.
Adds elegance to gardens with its feathery plumes and upright form.
Tolerates a variety of soil conditions and is hardy in cold climates.

Fountain Grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

Fountain Grass is a shorter ornamental grass that can reach up to 3 feet in height. Its cascading, feathery plumes make it an attractive addition to gardens, and it is particularly effective for controlling snow drifting in smaller areas or as a border plant. While it doesn’t provide as large a windbreak as some of the taller grasses, its graceful form is well-suited for areas that need a more subtle approach to snow control.

Fountain Grass is great for more ornamental or decorative settings and works well along garden edges, around walkways, or near fences. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is known for its ability to withstand drought once established.

Key Features:

Height: Up to 3 feet tall.
Foliage: Cascading, feathery blades.
Seed Heads: Soft, foxtail-like plumes that catch wind and snow.

Benefits:

Provides a gentle, ornamental snow control barrier.
Adds texture and movement to gardens, even in winter.
Performs well in sunny areas and is low-maintenance once established.

Placement Tips for Ornamental Grasses

Plant Along Fences or Walls: Ornamental grasses are most effective when planted along fences, walls, or other barriers where wind tends to funnel. Their feathery plumes catch and trap snow, preventing it from drifting across open areas. This strategy works particularly well for controlling snow in smaller yards or along property lines.
Strategic Grouping: Grouping ornamental grasses together in clusters can create more effective windbreaks. Planting them in rows or clumps allows for greater density, which is ideal for capturing more snow and wind. You can alternate between different species of grasses to add diversity and color throughout the seasons.
Create Natural Windbreaks: For larger landscapes, ornamental grasses can be used to form natural windbreaks that help manage snow drifting. By combining grasses of varying heights and forms, you can create a more complex and effective barrier. Tall grasses, like switchgrass or feather reed grass, work well as the backbone of these windbreaks, while shorter grasses like fountain grass can be used as complementary plants.
Mass Planting: Mass planting ornamental grasses in wide swathes along high-traffic areas (such as driveways or pathways) can significantly reduce the amount of snow that collects in these regions. This technique helps keep snow from drifting into areas where it might cause obstructions or hazards.

4. Groundcovers

Groundcovers are low-growing, spreading plants that can help control snow drifting by reducing areas where snow can accumulate and drift. While they won’t create tall windbreaks like trees or shrubs, groundcovers can still be highly effective in specific regions of your landscape. By covering the ground, these plants reduce the amount of space where wind can pick up snow and blow it across your yard. Groundcovers also help retain moisture in the soil, improve soil structure, and suppress weed growth, making them a valuable addition to your winter landscape.

Groundcovers are especially useful in low-lying areas or along the edges of your landscape where snow tends to accumulate. These plants form dense mats that trap snow and prevent it from being carried further. As a result, they serve as a natural and effective snow guard for your garden or property.

Types of Groundcovers for Snow Drifting Control

Creeping Thyme (Thymus serpyllum)

Creeping thyme is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover that forms a dense mat of tiny, aromatic leaves. This hardy plant spreads quickly, filling in gaps between other plants, and is particularly effective at controlling snow drifting in low-lying areas. Creeping thyme helps to prevent snow from accumulating and blowing across the landscape, making it an excellent choice for pathways, garden beds, and rocky areas. Its compact growth habit and evergreen nature ensure that it provides winter interest even in the colder months.

Key Features:

Height: 2 to 4 inches tall.
Foliage: Small, aromatic evergreen leaves.
Flowers: Tiny, purple or pink flowers in late spring to summer.

Benefits:

Forms a dense mat that traps snow and prevents drifting.
Adds fragrance and color to your landscape.
Tolerates drought and poor soil conditions.

Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis)

Pachysandra is an evergreen groundcover that grows well in shady areas. It forms a thick carpet of green foliage, making it an excellent choice for controlling snow drifting in areas that receive little sunlight. The dense growth of pachysandra helps prevent wind from carrying snow, reducing accumulation in garden beds and along pathways. Pachysandra is also highly adaptable to a variety of soil types, making it a reliable choice for areas with poor soil or difficult growing conditions.

Key Features:

Height: 6 to 12 inches tall.
Foliage: Glossy, dark green evergreen leaves.
Flowers: Small, white flowers in the spring.

Benefits:

Great for shady or woodland areas where other plants may struggle.
Forms a thick carpet of foliage that traps snow and prevents drifting.
Requires minimal maintenance once established.

Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis)

Creeping juniper is a low-growing, evergreen groundcover that spreads quickly to form a dense mat of foliage. It is highly effective in controlling snow drifting, particularly in sloped areas where wind can easily carry snow. The thick, needle-like leaves of creeping juniper help to trap snow, reducing the amount that accumulates and blows across your landscape. It also helps prevent soil erosion, making it a practical choice for areas with unstable soil.

Key Features:

Height: 6 to 12 inches tall.
Foliage: Blue-green to silvery-green needle-like leaves.
Berries: Blue or purple berries in the fall.

Benefits:

Ideal for slopes or areas where snow tends to accumulate.
Forms a dense mat that traps snow and reduces drifting.
Low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established.

Placement Tips for Groundcovers

Fill Gaps in Landscape Beds: Groundcovers are perfect for filling in spaces between trees, shrubs, or other plants. By planting them in these gaps, you can prevent wind from carrying snow between plants, which helps reduce snow accumulation in open areas.
Plant Along Slopes: Groundcovers are particularly effective on slopes, where snow tends to flow and accumulate. Planting them along slopes or on the edges of hills can create a natural barrier that redirects snow and slows down its movement.
Use as Pathway Edges: Groundcovers like creeping thyme or pachysandra are ideal for planting along the edges of walkways or pathways. They create a low-maintenance snow guard, helping to keep snow from drifting onto these high-traffic areas.

By combining groundcovers with other plants like trees, shrubs, or grasses, you can create a multi-layered approach to controlling snow drifting across your property. These plants work synergistically to reduce the effects of wind and snow, keeping your landscape functional and beautiful even during the harshest winter months.

Final Words

When it comes to preventing winter snow drifting, plants can be an effective and natural solution. Whether you’re planting evergreen trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, or groundcovers, the right plants can help protect your home and garden from snow accumulation and create a more manageable winter landscape. By strategically placing these plants around your property, you can reduce the impact of drifting snow and enhance the beauty and functionality of your landscape during the colder months.