Your Greenhouse Might Collapse if Snow Isn’t Cleared in Time – Here’s How to Do It Safely and Avoid Damage

Severe snowstorms are sweeping through the US this winter making yards extremely hazardous. While it isn't recommended to attempt to clear snow from all areas of the yard (especially where it isn't safe to do so), there is one thing you should give some attention to: your greenhouse.

Even if you winterized your greenhouse, it's important to remove snow from its roof after a snowstorm. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly, the weight of heavy snow can cause structural damage and even cause your greenhouse to collapse. Secondly, snow can block daylight to the plants inside your greenhouse, which is already limited in the winter months.

But, just like removing snow from a driveway, it isn't as simple as swiping it off your greenhouse roof. You should act with caution to prevent danger to yourself, your plants, and the greenhouse itself. Here, I talk through why you should remove snow from your greenhouse roof and how to go about it safely.

Why Remove Snow from Your Greenhouse Roof?

There are a few reasons why you should consider removing snow from your greenhouse roof.

As mentioned, extremely heavy snow can weigh down on the roof and cause collapse. This is especially the case when it comes to less permanent types of greenhouse, like this PVC greenhouse from Amazon or this polycarbonate greenhouse from Lowe's.

Having said that, even heavy-duty greenhouses can become weaker and give in to the weight of snow over time, as layers build and cause cracking and bending.

As for plant health, snow can block light, which is a disadvantage in winter especially. It can slow down plant growth and stress them, potentially wiping out everything you've been growing in your greenhouse in winter.

Not only this, but it can also prevent heat coming in by reducing sunlight, and can harness an environment for increased condensation as airflow becomes restricted. You may then find yourself having to get rid of powdery mildew and mold.

How to Remove Snow from a Greenhouse Roof

Just like removing snow from trees, it isn't recommended to just swipe snow off suddenly, especially if you have a thick layer sitting on the roof.

Not only can it fall on you and cause injury, it may also cause damage to the greenhouse in the process, plus it may damage any surrounding garden equipment.

Instead, you should remove snow from a greenhouse roof carefully and gradually.

Don't wait for it to build-up, rather remove snow after it falls. Importantly, you should wait for it stop snowing to do this, keeping yourself safe from slipping or having heavy snow fall on you.

Fresh snow is lighter and softer to work with, while allowing it to layer up will result in compaction and make it harder to break and move.

You also need the right tools to hand. Avoid anything with sharp spikes that will scratch and damage your greenhouse.

Snow rakes and soft bristled brush are often a better choice. I recommend this snow rake and brush duo on Amazon, providing you two options for gentle snow removal.

Opt for something long-handled, too, to prevent strain when reaching up to the roof of your greenhouse.

Aim to push sections of snow upward and to the side, rather than directing it downwards towards yourself.

As for heated greenhouses, raising the heat inside (or even using a greenhouse heater, like this from Amazon) can help melt and soften the snow, encouraging it to slide off the roof.

Once the roof has cleared, don't forget to also clear any gutters on your greenhouse.

FAQs

How Can I Patch up Holes in a Greenhouse?

For cracks and holes in greenhouse panels, one of the most recommended methods is using poly repair tape (like this from Amazon). This is designed to provide a waterproof, transparent, strong seal, ideal for greenhouse repairs.

Other winter greenhouse tasks include heating your greenhouse. This can make it a more productive space during the coldest months, allowing you to sow seeds early and propagate plants.