Heavy snowfall looks impressive, but the additional weight placed on trees often causes significant damage. Branches bend, limbs break and, in more serious cases, the stability of the whole tree becomes affected.
ICS Tree Services works across Leeds and West Yorkshire, dealing with damaged, dangerous and fallen trees.
If snow has damaged a tree on your property, knowing what to look for and what action to take helps reduce the risk of further damage.
Why Does Snow Damage Trees?
Snow becomes heavy when it accumulates on branches and foliage.
Evergreen trees, including many conifers, are particularly susceptible because they retain their foliage throughout winter. This gives snow a larger surface on which to accumulate. Broadleaf trees also suffer damage, particularly where branches already have weaknesses, decay or poor structural development. The additional weight sometimes causes branches to bend beyond their normal limits. They then split or break.
Signs of Snow Damage to Look For
Some damage is obvious. Other problems become apparent only after the snow has melted.
Look for:
- Broken or hanging branches.
- Split branches or forks.
- Branches resting against buildings, vehicles or other structures.
- Trees leaning more than they did previously.
- Cracks around major limbs.
- Exposed roots or movement around the base of the tree.
- Large branches which have dropped onto surrounding trees.
- Changes to the overall shape of the tree.
Do not assume a tree is safe because it remains standing.
Damage higher in the crown is difficult to see from ground level and broken branches sometimes remain suspended in the tree.
Should I Remove a Broken Branch Myself?
Small branches at ground level are one thing. Large branches, damaged trees and anything requiring work at height should be assessed by a qualified tree professional. A partially broken branch often behaves unpredictably. Cutting it in the wrong place also risks further damage to the tree.Never put yourself underneath a damaged or hanging branch to inspect it.
If the tree is close to a house, road, pavement, car park or another area used by people, professional assessment becomes more important.
Does a Snow Damaged Tree Need to Be Removed?
No. Damage does not automatically mean the whole tree needs removing.
Depending on the extent of the damage and the condition of the tree, appropriate work might include removing dead or broken branches, crown pruning or other remedial tree work. Where severe damage has compromised the tree’s structure and created an unacceptable risk, tree removal might be the appropriate option.
A professional assessment should determine the right course of action.
What About Storm Damaged Trees?
Snow is only one cause of winter tree damage.
Strong winds, saturated ground, ice and storms also create problems. A combination of wet ground and high winds sometimes increases the risk of trees becoming unstable. Following severe weather, check significant trees around your property for visible changes. Pay particular attention to trees close to buildings, roads, footpaths and areas regularly used by people.
Professional Help with Damaged Trees in Leeds
ICS Tree Services provides professional tree surgery and tree management across Leeds and West Yorkshire. Our team deals with damaged trees for residential and commercial customers and has the equipment and experience required to assess and undertake tree work safely.
Where a damaged tree presents an urgent risk, our emergency tree service provides help with dangerous and fallen trees.
Need Advice About a Damaged Tree?
If snow, ice or high winds have damaged a tree on your property, contact ICS Tree Services.
Tell us what has happened and where the tree is located. Photographs are also useful when discussing the initial problem.
Our team will advise you on the appropriate next step.