Hi Steve,

Is the snow more damaging to the palms than just very cold snowless weather? The few times I've had very deep snow all winter up here (Bergen County) it seemed like most of my plants did really well the next year. I assume some of it was protection from wind, a little more insulated by the snow, etc. And something about snow releasing nitrogen into the ground, like fertilizer.

But maybe palms just aren't made to deal with it at all?

WW

The snow is not what bothers the cold hardiest palms--it's arctic cold temps combined with wind, sun, and frozen ground. My Trachys (in easternmost Bergen county/metro NYC area) look great this year and they too were buried in snow.--Snow is an excellent insulation which is why many plants have an easier time in snowy New England than in the Mid Atlantic region which can often be snow deprived but arctic nonetheless. This'll be my Trachys third winter and they are pushing five feet now. I realize the winter has only just begun but so far it looks to be a very stormy, snowy/rainy, wet winter but not a very arctic cold winter. Next year I'll be putting in some feather palms (Butia capitata specifically).