STRONG EL NINO DEVELOPING

El Niño is a climate pattern that occurs when the surface temperatures of the eastern Pacific Ocean warm up. This can lead to changes in weather patterns around the world, including increased rainfall in some areas and drought in others. Meteorologists are saying we could see a super El Niño event this year which is rare and has occurred only three times since the 1950s. This weather phenomenon can bring even more rain and unpredictable weather to the Pacific Northwest.

What does this mean for landscape care? Potentially, a lot. 

Winter Weather

As the leading snow removal provider in the Pacific Northwest, we closely monitor winter weather to ensure that we are prepared to act quickly when the need arises. We understand the region's unpredictable nature, from frequent freezing temperatures to the potential for surprise snowstorms, even during El Niño winters.

Always Prepared, Always Proactive:

• Robust monitoring: We closely track weather patterns to anticipate snowfall, ice accumulations, and potential hazards.
• Strategic deployment: Our crews are strategically positioned and ready to respond quickly to changing conditions.
• Proactive approach: We pretreat roads and walkways before storms hit, minimizing disruptions and ensuring safety.
• Expert ice and snow removal: When winter unleashes its fury, we're equipped to clear snow and ice efficiently and effectively.

Past La Niña winters may have brought heavy snowfall, but El Niño can pack a punch too. Two of Seattle's snowiest winters, including the record-breaking 2018-19 season with 21 inches, occurred during El Niño events.

One thing is certain: no matter what Mother Nature throws our way, Pacific Landscape Maintenance will be fully prepared. We have the experience, expertise, and resources to keep your property as safe and accessible as possible throughout the entire winter season.

Plant Health Impacts

During El Niño Winters, it's rare to have cold weather damage to plants, although it's still possible. Excessive rainfall can also pose a threat to plants, and early December was one of the wettest stretches on record, drenching many landscapes. Things appear to be drying out so long term saturated soil problems aren't necessarily anticipated at this point.

Early Spring?

As we get to the end of every wet winter, many are itching for warmer, drier weather. However, at PLM we love to have a somewhat late spring with cooler weather as this gives us plenty of time to finish cleaning up from winter, and prepare your landscape for the rest of the year. We've had three cold starts to springs in a row and we're somewhat spoiled by postponing mowing and continuing our pruning and shrub bed care to prep for spring and summer.