Introduction
Winter storms can be tough on trees. Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds often lead to broken branches, leaning trees, or even serious property damage. The good news is that a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your trees from the harshest weather. Here’s how you can safeguard your trees before, during, and after a winter storm.
1. Prune Before Winter Arrives
Dead, weak, or overhanging branches are the most likely to break under the weight of snow and ice. Removing them in advance is one of the best ways to reduce storm damage.
What to Do:
- Walk around your property and inspect your trees for branches that look brittle, damaged, or too close to your home.
- Prune smaller branches yourself, but for larger or higher branches, it’s best to call a certified arborist for safe and effective pruning.
2. Protect Young or Vulnerable Trees
Young and newly planted trees are particularly susceptible to winter stress. Their thinner trunks and underdeveloped root systems make them less capable of withstanding extreme weather.
What to Do:
- Wrap tree trunks with burlap or tree guards to protect against frost cracks and sunscald.
- Stake young trees to provide extra stability during strong winds, but ensure the stakes allow some natural movement to encourage healthy root development.
3. Monitor Snow and Ice Buildup
Heavy snow and ice can put a lot of stress on branches, causing them to bend or break. While you might be tempted to remove it immediately, doing so incorrectly can actually cause more harm.
What to Do:
- Use a broom to gently brush off snow, starting from the branch tips and working inward.
- Avoid trying to remove ice. Let it melt naturally to prevent cracking or splintering the branches.
4. Care for the Root Zone
Healthy roots are the foundation of a resilient tree. Winter storms can compact soil or erode areas around the base of your tree, exposing roots and weakening stability.
What to Do:
- Apply mulch around the base of your tree to insulate roots and help prevent soil erosion. Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot.
- Avoid piling snow treated with de-icing chemicals near your trees, as the runoff can harm roots.
5. Inspect Your Trees After a Storm
Once the storm has passed, take a close look at your trees to assess any damage. Broken branches, cracks in the trunk, and leaning trees are common signs of trouble.
What to Do:
- Remove small broken branches yourself to prevent further damage.
- For major damage, such as large broken limbs or leaning trees, contact a certified arborist to evaluate the tree’s condition and recommend the best course of action.
Conclusion
Winter storms can take a toll on your trees, but with some thoughtful preparation and post-storm care, you can minimize damage and keep your landscape safe. From pruning and protecting young trees to inspecting for damage after a storm, these steps are key to helping your trees weather the season. If you need expert advice or assistance, Environmental Advantage’s certified arborists are ready to help.For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit Environmental Advantage.