Preventing Ice Damage On Trees

Winter weather can be beautiful, but it can also be tough on your trees. Ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can all cause serious damage to trees, including broken branches, cracked trunks and even dead trees. But there are some things you can do to help prevent ice damage on your trees. Read on to learn more.

Signs of Ice Damage

If your tree has been damaged by ice, you might notice broken branches or snapped limbs near the ground. Dead trees can also be a sign of ice damage; if there are any dead trees in your yard, you may need to have them removed and replaced.

Inspect Your Trees Regularly

The best way to prevent ice damage is to catch it early. Make a habit of inspecting your trees regularly, especially during the fall and winter months. Look for cracks or splits in the trunk, dead branches, and any other signs of distress. If you notice any problems, take action right away to mitigate the damage.

Prune the Damaged Branches

If you notice any dead or damaged branches on your tree, prune them as soon as possible. This will help reduce the risk of those branches breaking and falling during a storm. It will also make your tree look nicer and help it stay healthy.

Wrap Your Tree

Wrapping the trunk of your tree with burlap or another type of protective material can help prevent damage from ice and snow. Be sure to wrap the trunk all the way up to the first set of branches. Alternatively, you can use wooden stakes and plastic wrapping to cover and insulate trees if they are small enough. Just don’t forget to remove the wrapping in the spring!

Spread Mulch Around the Base to Insulate Roots

Applying a layer of mulch around the base of your tree will help insulate its roots from the cold weather and prevent dead trees. This will help keep your tree healthy and prevent roots from being damaged by freezing temperatures. Be sure to spread the mulch out evenly and avoid piling it up against the trunk of the tree.

Keep an Eye on Weather Forecasts

In addition to regular inspections, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on weather forecasts during the winter months. If a big storm is headed your way, take precautions ahead of time to protect your trees from wind and ice damage. For example, you might want to remove any loose branches before the storm hits.

Be Prepared to Call a Professional

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, ice damage is inevitable. If your tree sustains serious damage from ice or snow, it’s important to call a professional tree service right away. They will be able to assess the damage and determine whether or not your tree can be saved, and if not they will walk you through the process of removing the dead trees.

The Dangers of Ice Damaged Trees

Ice-damaged trees can pose a serious safety hazard. Dead branches or cracked trunks can easily break and fall during storms, which can lead to property damage or even injury. It’s important to keep an eye on your trees throughout the winter months and take steps to protect them from ice damage.

Don’t Let Dead Trees Ruin Your Yard

Ice storms can be tough on trees causing things like broken branches and cracks in trunks. By inspecting your trees regularly, pruning damaged branches, wrapping trunks, spreading mulch around bases, keeping an eye on weather forecasts and being prepared to call a professional you can help prevent ice damage on trees!

Call LTRC Tree Specialists for Dead Tree Removal Services

If you’re concerned about the health of your trees, call LTRC Tree Specialists today. We can help you prevent dead trees and damage from ice and snow. We offer a variety of services to keep your trees healthy and looking great, including tree pruning, mulching, and trunk wrapping. Contact us today to get started!