Winter is Coming: How to Prepare Your Trees and Prevent Snow Disaster

When winter arrives with heavy snowfall, the trees on your property face significant risks. Knowing how to prepare, manage, and recover from snow-related damage is essential for maintaining tree health and safety. This walks you through practical steps to help you protect your trees during winter storms, including when to consider tree service support.

Understanding the Risks

Why Snow Can Damage Trees Heavy, wet snow is particularly damaging to trees. Unlike light, powdery snow, which poses minimal risk, wet snow can accumulate quickly on branches, pushing them beyond their natural capacity. This can result in bending, breaking, or even uprooting, especially in trees that retain leaves late into the season or those known for weak wood structures, like elms and Bradford pears.

Preparation Before Snowfall

Inspect Your Trees Before the winter season, thoroughly inspect your trees for signs of damage, disease, or structural weaknesses. Consulting a tree service can provide an expert assessment and personalized recommendations for strengthening your trees.

Pruning Pruning is crucial for winter preparation. Removing dead or weak branches during the dormant season minimizes snow accumulation points and improves the tree’s overall structure.

Mulching Apply a 2 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree to insulate roots and retain moisture. Make sure it doesn’t touch the trunk directly because it will rot and can create rodent issues.

Watering Proper hydration before the ground freezes helps trees maintain cellular insulation during cold weather. Trees should only be watered when temperatures are above freezing to allow for effective soil absorption.

Protective WrappingFor smaller or vulnerable trees, wrapping them in burlap or similar insulating materials can shield them from snow buildup and harsh winds. For larger trees, secure tarps on the side most exposed to prevailing winds to help limit snow accumulation.

Bracing Young TreesYoung or newly planted trees benefit from additional support. Bracing or staking helps them withstand strong winds and heavy snow, preventing breakage and toppling.

Managing Snow Accumulation

Safe Snow Removal TipsIf branches are heavily burdened with snow, gently remove it using a soft tool like a broom. Sweep in an upward motion to avoid applying extra pressure to the branches. Do not shake the tree or use heavy tools, as this could cause more damage.

Post-Snowstorm Care

Assessing DamageInspect trees after a snowstorm for signs of damage, such as:

  • Broken or hanging branches.
  • Cracks in the trunk or main limbs.
  • Trees that are leaning but were previously upright.

Pruning Broken Branches: Remove broken branches from the main trunk or a significant branch to promote healing and prevent further damage. For extensive damage, consider contacting a tree service for a thorough assessment and recovery plan.

Recovery Time Trees can be resilient and may recover over time. Recovery can take weeks or even months. Regular monitoring and care are essential during this period.

When to Call a Tree Service

Signs You Need Tree Service SupportProfessional tree services can provide invaluable help, especially in the following situations:

  • Large, broken limbs pose a safety risk.
  • Trees are significantly leaning or show major structural damage.
  • If you are unsure about the extent of the damage, you need expert guidance for proper care or removal.

Benefits of Hiring a Tree Service

  • Expertise and Safety: Tree service professionals have the skills and equipment to handle potentially hazardous tasks safely and efficiently.
  • Thorough Assessment: A tree service can evaluate the health of your trees and suggest the best course of action, whether it be treatment, pruning, or removal.
  • Preventive Care: Routine tree services, such as pruning and bracing, can prevent future damage and strengthen your trees for upcoming seasons.

Can Damaged Trees Be Saved?

Many damaged trees can be saved with timely and proper care. A professional tree service will assess the tree’s condition and recommend specific recovery strategies. In cases where the tree cannot be saved, they will advise safe removal to prevent property damage and ensure safety.

Final Tips

Preventive Maintenance Schedule regular tree inspections and pruning as part of your year-round maintenance plan. Proactive care can enhance your trees’ strength and resilience. At Owens Brothers Tree Service, we offer a comprehensive inspection and assessment at no cost. We take a look, we point out what we see, and you decide if you want to move forward with us. We offer preventative pruning, trimming, removal, and stump removal as well. We’ve been in business since 1959 and we love what we do. Please call for a free onsite estimate.

Free Estimate (718) 885-0914