Warm winter impacts

Where's the cold and the snow? Many of us in the North East are currently enjoying some fairly mild temperatures for this time of year. There are people that feel global warming (CO2 and other gases) is becoming more and more of a factor, especially during the winter months. Other than the lack of snow removal, you may be thinking things like "I enjoy the warmer weather" or "how does this influence my landscape?" Well you'd be surprised at how much of an impact a mild winter can have on a landscape.
Cold winters help to deter vegetation, ticks and other insects from becoming as prevalent in the North East as they are in the Southern United States. The cold winter shortens the amount of time in which living things have a chance to grow and bread. As the winters become more mild, mosquitoes, ticks, and their respective diseases are going to become more of a problem. Invasive plants that normally would have a difficult time surviving a winter in New England will spread faster and threaten ecosystems. Their season for growth becomes longer, which leads to more, more...more everything, really. Mosquitoes in New England can carry diseases such as West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Deer ticks in the New England can carry Lyme Disease. As their populations increase, so does the risk of the diseases they carry becoming more of a problem for us humans. This will also increase the demand for more spraying to help keep us safe. Whether it's spraying a neighborhood for mosquitoes or buying spray at the store (containing DEET) to help keep insects away from the children, both cost money. Many people have already begun purchasing Mosquito Magnets for their yard to help make the outdoors more bare-able. Oh, and the warmer weather will help to give weeds a bit of a head start as well. We all know how much we love spending time and/or money on weeding (ha ha). Also, let's not forget the impact on the ski resorts ability to make or maintain snow on the slopes. It becomes much more difficult when mother nature is unable to lend a helping hand.
Whether you believe in global warming or feel the weather pattern is simply shifting, make sure you're prepared for what may become some ever increasing issues following mild winters in New England.
;-)

-Scaper