What Does A Snowless November Mean For Minneapolis Winter?

With just a few days left in November 2017 and a forecast of mid 40’s throughout the week, it is unlikely we will see any snowfall here in the Twin Cities before the end of the month. With leaf cleanups being nearly done, we began to wonder how we are going to keep our staff busy, so we decided to do some research to see if we could get an idea of how busy we will be this winter.

According to DNR records, there has only been 4 years in recorded history where the Twin Cities has not seen at least 0.01 inches in snow before the end of November. During those 4 years we saw a total snowfall for the year to average 45 inches with one year coming in with a meager 28.9 inches of snow.

So does no snowfall in November mean we are going to have little to no snow this year? Well, believe it or not, the Twin Cities averages just 45.3 inches of snowfall on a year basis. This data suggest that we are still on pace to reach our average snowfall this winter.

However, if you take a look at this chart from the DNR, it appears that no snowfall in November will likely produce more snowfall than most years where November received up to 3 inches of snowfall. Heck, even years where November saw up to 11 inches of snowfall we ended up with more snowfall throughout the winters where no snow fell in November.

Farmer’s Almanac Prediction

Being unsatisfied with the research above, we decided to head over to the Farmer’s Almanac to see their predictions.

So far, the Farmer’s Almanac is way off! They predicted the snow would start falling as soon as November 5^th with November 21^st through 30^th being very cold. With November being nearly over and a near 60 degree day on Monday and no snowfall, I think they missed the mark.

The Farmer’s Almanac goes on to say that we should expect a warmer than normal winter with below normal precipitation.

My prediction, I believe we will see near average temperatures as we head into the heart of winter and near average snowfall. I don’t think we will see the 10 to 12 inch snowfall in one night but expect to see a few snowfalls of at least 7 to 8 inches with a bunch of 4 to 6 inch snowfalls throughout the season.

Are You Ready For Winter?

At Peter Doran Lawn & Landscaping we offer a variety of services in the winter including snow plowing, snow shoveling, roof raking and ice melting. Grab your free estimate today to ensure you are prepared for those large snowfalls that are surely to come this winter.

Winter Is Coming! Prepare Your Lawn & Garden Now.

Though many homeowners would love to avoid it, every year winter comes our way. When the snow flies, any work in the garden comes to a halt, so take advantage of our warm fall days to prepare your garden for winter. In doing so, you’re eliminating many spring tasks, preventing insect and disease problems, and protecting plants for winter.

Fertilize Your Lawn

The best time to apply lawn fertilizer is when grass roots are building up natural sugars to store over the long cold Minnesota winter. A winterizing fertilizer should contain a moderate level of nitrogen that will aid in storing sugars and a high potassium content (the last number in the 3 number analysis) to help build a strong root system to help grass survive our winter.

Note Timing is key! Nitrogen must be applied late enough that the lawn has slowed growth, however not late enough that the nitrogen will go unused (when the lawn has gone completely dormant). The best time for fall application of fertilizers is late September to mid-October.

Water Water Water!

All plants require plenty of moisture in fall, so the roots don’t dry out through the winter. Deep root watering is the easiest and most economical way. A slow drip from your garden hose should do the trick. The block of ice that will form around your roots will ensure they stay hydrated during fluctuating winter temperatures.

Eliminate Overwintering Insects and Diseases

Horticultural Oil is a product that will suffocate overwintering insects. Once leaves have fallen from trees and shrubs, simply mix with water and spray onto branches. Note that temperatures need to be above Oº Celsius.

If you had any problems with fungal diseases such as powdery mildew this past summer, apply lime sulphur spray for great clean up results.

As well, any leaves affected by insects or disease this season should be raked up and discarded to prevent problems next season.

Protect your Plants

Newly transplanted Cedars and Evergreens (as well as tender shrubs such as Rhododendron, Azalea and Boxwood) will require a protective barrier to prevent winter winds from drying them out.

Be sure to secure stakes in the soil to support the burlap so it is at least 6″ from the outer foliage. This same ‘shelter’ can be created with a large tomato cage with burlap wrapped around the outside.

Tender roses should be mulched in after the ground freezes hard. Cut your tender roses to 7″ from ground level. You can use Stryrofoam Rose Huts or Rose Collars to protect plants. There is no need to mulch hardy roses.

For mulch, simply mound peat moss, compost or clean leaves over the plants then place Rose Hut or Collar around the plant.

SOIL

Fall is the perfect time to incorporate organic matter like compost to improve texture in heavy soils and add an amazing source of nutrients.

Request A Free Estimate

If you live in the Minneapolis, MN area and would like help getting your lawn ready for winter, request a free estimate from us today!