How Icy Weather Affects Trees and How to Stay Safe

The winter months can be stressful for trees, just as they can be for people. Snow, ice, and wind all takes a toll on trees, weakening their structural integrity and sometimes putting more of a load on them than they can bear.

The good news is there are steps you can take to increase the ability of trees to withstand temperature, and to ensure the safety of you and the people you care about during wintry times.

1. Check & Prune Limbs Beforehand

Pruning trees correctly is one of the best ways you can help them withstand winter weather. Correct pruning involves many factors, including timing, proper disinfection of tools, proper pruning style (which usually depends on the type and shape of tree), and more.

If you’re a novice to pruning, you can either learn more about pruning timing and disinfection techniques online, or you can hire experts to come do it for you.

2. Never Shake Limbs

If you do have a rough storm that leaves your trees covered with ice and snow, never shake them to try to dislodge it. This can bring weak branches, already suffering from weight overload, down on you. It is best to let ice and snow melt naturally.

3. Brace Trees

If some of your trees have weak limbs, and you don’t want to see them break during storms (or in general), you can brace them. Prop 2x4s or 4x4s under weak branches to hold them upright and provide support before storms hit.

4. Do Not Approach Unstable Trees

If you aren’t sure whether or not a tree is safe, definitely do not approach it. Storms can weaken limbs or even split trees, and any movement may bring them down. If you don’t have the proper expertise to deal with storm-damaged trees – including the proper safety equipment – call in the experts rather than risking your safety or the safety of people and property around you.

5. Get Expert Help

Premier Tree Solutions is a rapidly expanding tree removal business in Atlanta, Georgia. We specialize in tree removal, tree trimming, tree pruning, Bobcat work, storm damage and clean up, stump grinding, branch clearing, and debris removal. If you’re looking for expert help cleaning up after a storm, assessing your trees for damage or generally caring for your yard, you can learn more by heading to our website.