Winter storms can wreak havoc on your trees, creating hidden dangers that could put your family at risk. Broken branches, leaning trunks, or unseen structural damage can turn into serious hazards if left unchecked. Knowing what to look for and acting quickly can make all the difference in keeping your property safe. Here’s how to identify winter tree damage, assess the risks, and take action to protect your home and loved ones.
PRO TIP: Inspecting your trees is only the beginning. For more tips on how to keep your trees healthy in winter, check out our blog on winter tree care tips for New Jersey residents.
Key Takeaways:
- When inspecting winter storm damage to your trees, maintain a safe distance and never stand under snow or ice-laden branches.
- Look for signs of damage, such as broken branches, torn bark, leaning trunks, splitting trees, snow-bent branches, and broken cabling systems.
- If you spot downed utility lines or a tree affecting public spaces like sidewalks, contact your utility company or local municipality rather than handling it yourself.
- Arborists commonly provide post-storm services, such as pruning damaged branches, installing cabling and bracing systems, and removing trees that are too severely damaged to save.
- Certain trees, such as willows, Bradford pears, evergreens, and trees with multiple leaders or trunks, are naturally more vulnerable to winter storm damage.
What to Do for Your Trees After a Winter Storm in Northern New Jersey
Winter storms have a way of causing plenty of damage in Northern New Jersey. But once the weather calms down and the skies aren’t so cloudy, it’s time to get to work inspecting your trees to find any signs of damage.
While we recommend inspecting your trees to determine if the snow, ice, and wind caused any damage, there is a proper procedure for doing so. Doing it right will keep you safe, determine the next best steps in tree care, and prevent further harm to your trees.
Keep Your Distance for Safety
Just because the storm has passed doesn’t mean the danger is over. Heavy snow and ice can weigh down branches, making them more likely to break and cause injury.
When inspecting your trees, prioritize safety by keeping a safe distance. Avoid standing directly under branches, as the added weight increases the risk of them snapping. If you can’t clearly assess the damage from a distance, use binoculars or contact a professional arborist to evaluate the situation safely.
Inspect for Any Sign of Winter Tree Damage
You’ll want to look throughout the canopy and see if you can discover any sign of damage to the tree. Some things to look for when inspecting your tree include:
- Broken branches or ones that appear to be hanging by a thread
- Torn or otherwise damaged bark
- A tree that has begun leaning
- A tree that is splitting apart
- Branches that bend due to the weight of snow
- Broken cabling (if you had tree support systems installed)
Look for Any Damage to Utility Lines or Structures
Aside from damage to your tree, you’ll also want to get an idea of what your tree could have potentially damaged. High winds can cause branches to sway and snap, leading to damage on nearby structures. Some of the items tree branches may damage include:
- Windows
- Siding
- Utility lines
- Outdoor furniture
- Roofs
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Vehicles
Utility lines are especially problematic because of the risk they pose. Stay away from downed lines or a tree with broken utility lines in its branches. When you see them, call your utility company and have them come out and look at the damage.
If you have a tree blocking your sidewalk or the road your house sits on, you’ll need to speak with the municipality where you live. A downed tree in the right of way will be their responsibility.
Winter storms can uproot trees or leave them damaged to the point where removal is the only option.
Have an Arborist Further Assess Your Winter Tree Damage
If you’ve detected any signs of winter storm damage in your trees, it’s time to call a professional and have them take a closer look. ISA Certified Arborists are experts in tree care who can provide recommendations on how best to care for your trees and help them recover. Some of the services an arborist can provide when you’re dealing with winter tree damage are:
- Pruning: Trimming out damaged branches will increase safety around your tree and reduce the risk of damage caused by fallen branches. An arborist may also do preventive pruning for other branches they believe are at high risk of breaking during a future storm.
- Cabling and Bracing: Structural support systems, such as cabling and bracing, can help support weaker tree sections that sustained damage from a winter storm.
- Tree Removal: If the damage is too severe, a tree care professional may suggest removing the tree. While you shouldn’t jump straight to removing a damaged tree, sometimes that is the safest option.
What Not to Do When Caring for Your Trees After a Winter Storm
It’s crucial to help your trees after damage from a storm, but only if you do it right. Here are some things we don’t recommend:
- Don’t try to shake snow off the branches.
- Don’t use a broom to try and knock snow and ice off branches.
- Don’t stand under trees covered in snow and ice.
- Don’t attempt to climb a tree yourself.
- Don’t go near any downed utility lines.
- Don’t attempt to remove the tree yourself.
- Don’t try to prune a storm-damaged tree yourself.
- Don’t spray the tree with a hose to try and melt the snow off.
Weak Trees to Watch Out for After a Winter Storm
Some trees are more prone to damage from ice and snow than others due to natural growth habits. Some trees to pay special attention to after a winter storm include:
- Trees with Weaker Branches: Some trees just do not have the same structural integrity as others. Willows and Bradford pears are notoriously weak and can easily break in a storm.
- Trees with Multiple Leaders: The strongest trees have one central trunk from which all other branches grow from. A tree with multiple trunks is more likely to fail in a storm, as the connection point is an area of weakness. Cabling and bracing can help support these trees and reduce the risk of failure in a storm.
- Evergreen Trees: Evergreens generate year-round interest, but their needles can collect snow and ice much more than barren deciduous trees. Evergreens also have less dense wood, making them more susceptible to damage under the weight of heavy snow and ice.
Having an arborist install cables in your trees can protect them from winter tree damage.
New Jersey Winter Storm Damage Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about winter storm damage to your New Jersey trees? We’ve compiled some of the most common questions we receive from our customers about their trees and how to help them survive the winter.
How can I prevent winter storm damage to my trees?
You can lower the risk of winter storm damage by having a professional prune your trees of deadwood and install structural support systems. Keeping your tree generally healthy through fertilization and reducing soil compaction will also help reduce the risk of damage to your tree.
However, it’s important to note that no matter what you do to your trees, a perfectly healthy tree can still fail in a storm.
How do I know who to trust with my trees after a winter storm?
Look for companies with ISA Certified Arborists, proper insurance, and local licenses. In New Jersey, tree care companies must be registered with the Board of Tree Experts and have either a Licensed Tree Expert (LTE) or Licensed Tree Care Operator (LTCO) on staff.
Should I apply a wound dressing to winter storm damage to my tree?
No, you do not need to apply a wound dressing to your tree after winter storm damage. Wound dressings actually slow down the recovery time, and arborists do not recommend them in most instances.
How long will it be before a tree care company comes to check out my trees?
The response time of a tree care company will depend on the severity of the damage to your tree. Companies typically prioritize fallen trees on roads and structures before other work.
Let Aspen Tree Help Your Trees Recover After Winter Storm Damage
We recommend inspecting your trees after a winter storm to look for any signs of winter tree damage. Whether the damage is relatively apparent, like downed branches, or more subtle, professional arborists can help deal with the damage.
At Aspen Tree, we’re here to help with everything from cleaning up storm debris to carefully pruning damaged branches to give your trees the best chance to recover. With the right tools and years of experience, we can handle whatever your trees need. Call us today at 201-939-8733 or request a quote online.
