Q: Should I clean the snow off the branches of my evergreens so they don't break or is it better to let Mother Nature melt it off?
A: For light, dry snows, let Mother Nature melt it off. But if the snow is wet, remove some right after each storm to avoid limbs breaking or bending out of shape. Arborvitae and junipers are especially susceptible to having their limbs distorted from heavy snow loads. Carefully knock off the wet snow with a broom or shovel, trying not to injure branches. If the weight of the snow has severely bent a branch, try repositioning the branch into place by tying it to other branches within the shrub. If injury occurs to a limb, wait until warmer weather in late winter or spring to remove or shorten the branch. If you have prized evergreen shrubs that are small enough to cover, consider building wooden A-frame shelters to take most of the snow load off the limbs.
— National Gardening Association
