Tree Maintenance After Heavy Snow Tips for Keeping Your Trees Healthy and Safe

Heavy snow really puts trees to the test—broken branches, splits, even uprooting if things get wild. Caring for your trees after a heavy snowfall matters if you want to avoid bigger headaches later. Skipping it? That’s just asking for costly trouble down the road.

At Arbor Management, we get how important solid tree care is after a winter storm. Our ISA Certified Arborists can check your trees, prune damaged limbs, and fix up problems before they get worse. If you’re in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, or anywhere in Madison and St. Clair Counties, a little early attention can save your trees and keep your yard looking good.

When your trees seem stressed or you spot broken branches, don’t wait. Taking action fast not only helps your trees recover, but it also makes your home and business safer. Arbor Management’s team delivers expert, safe, and reliable service—tailored for your neighborhood.

Assessing Tree Damage After Heavy Snow

After a heavy snow, it’s time to give your trees a close look. Check for broken branches, structural problems, and any root or trunk injuries. Catching these issues early makes a big difference.

Identifying Broken Branches

Scan for cracked, split, or barely-hanging branches—those are accidents waiting to happen. Focus on big limbs near your house or walkways.

Use pruning tools to remove broken branches safely. Don’t rip the bark; that just invites disease. If you’re dealing with high or tricky branches, call Arbor Management and let the ISA Certified Arborists handle it.

Evaluating Structural Hazards

Snow can bend or snap trunks and major limbs. Watch for sudden leans or big limbs that look like they’re about to give way. If a tree starts leaning after a storm, its roots might be in trouble or the trunk could be compromised.

Take out or secure dangerous branches before they become a bigger problem. If you notice deep splits or cracks in the trunk, don’t mess around—get a pro to check it out and keep your place safe.

Spotting Root and Trunk Injuries

Snow hides a lot, including root or trunk damage. Look for soil that’s been pushed up, exposed roots, or wounds in the bark near the base. These problems make trees unstable and more likely to get sick.

If bark is missing or there are deep cuts, the tree needs help to heal. Keeping trees healthy after injury helps stop disease. Arbor Management can step in and get your trees back on track in Madison and St. Clair Counties.

Immediate Steps for Tree Safety

When heavy snow hits, don’t just hope for the best. Start by clearing snow carefully, then deal with dangerous limbs, and mark unsafe spots so nobody wanders into trouble.

Clearing Snow Safely

Grab a soft broom or rake and gently brush snow off branches—no shaking or smacking. Start at the top and work down, taking it slow.

Don’t climb trees or use ladders on ice. If things get sketchy, call in the pros at Arbor Management. Clearing snow right keeps branches from breaking and eases stress on your trees.

Wear gloves, protect your eyes, and take breaks—especially if the snow’s heavy and wet. No need to play hero.

Removing Hanging Limbs

Look for cracked, split, or dangling branches—those can drop fast and hurt someone or something. Use pruning tools for small, reachable ones.

For bigger or higher limbs, let Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists handle it. They’ve got the gear and know-how. Cutting big branches yourself? Not worth the risk.

Toss the cut branches somewhere safe so nobody trips or slips, and keep paths clear.

Marking Unsafe Areas

After snow damage, mark spots with fallen limbs or wobbly trees. Use cones, flags, or tape—whatever stands out. That way, family and visitors stay clear until things get fixed.

Keep an eye on your yard as snow melts—hazards can pop up or shift around. If you see a tree leaning or cracks in the trunk, mark those too. Call a certified arborist for a safety check if anything seems off.

Keeping risky areas off-limits protects everyone.

Pruning and Trimming Damaged Trees

Heavy snow leaves trees battered, so get on top of pruning and trimming. Taking care of broken limbs quickly helps your trees recover and keeps your place safer. Careful work here means better tree recovery.

Best Practices for Emergency Pruning

Start pruning once it’s safe—after the snow’s gone or cleared off. Hunt for cracked, hanging, or split branches and cut them back to healthy wood, just outside the branch collar.

Make clean cuts so you don’t tear bark. Go after smaller branches first, then move to the bigger ones. Don’t tackle major limbs on your own; it gets dangerous fast. If you see disease or bugs, prune those spots carefully or get a certified arborist involved.

Tools Needed for Safe Pruning

Here’s what you’ll want:

• Hand pruners: For small branches, up to ¾ inch thick.
• Loppers: For stuff up to 2 inches.
• Pruning saw: For the bigger limbs.
• Pole pruner: Gets you up high without a ladder.
• Protective gear: Gloves, safety glasses, and a hard hat if you’re anywhere near power lines.

Keep tools sharp and clean—makes cutting easier and healthier for the tree. If a limb’s heavy, use ropes or get help so you don’t get hurt.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Don’t go wild and cut off too much. If you remove more than about 25% of branches, you’ll stress the tree and slow its comeback. Never “top” a tree (cutting off the top)—it weakens the whole thing and causes ugly, weak growth.

Don’t leave rough cuts or tear bark. Always cut just outside the branch collar, not flush with the trunk. Take out damaged branches, but don’t mess with healthy ones. And don’t put off pruning—broken branches can get worse and become safety risks.

If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists are ready to help in Madison and St. Clair Counties. Get a free estimate for tree care after heavy snow.

Supporting Recovering Trees

After heavy snow, your trees might need a little extra TLC. Stabilize weak branches and make sure they get enough water and nutrients. These steps go a long way to help them heal and avoid more damage.

Using Stakes and Braces

If your tree’s leaning or branches are bent from the snow, stakes or braces can help. Use soft ties so you don’t damage the bark. Put stakes on the side facing the wind or where the tree leans.

Check ties now and then to make sure they’re not rubbing or cutting into the tree. Take supports off after a growing season or once the tree stands up on its own. Trees need to build strength naturally.

Providing Water and Nutrients

Even if there’s snow, trees still need water to bounce back. Water deeply when the ground isn’t frozen, especially during dry spells.

After the snow melts, a slow-release fertilizer helps replace nutrients lost to stress. Skip high-nitrogen fertilizers at first—you don’t want to push new growth that could freeze.

Keep an eye on soil and mulch around the base to hold moisture and protect roots. Good watering and feeding boost your tree’s strength for the long haul.

Need a hand? Expert care from Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists can help your trees recover in Madison and St. Clair Counties. Call for a free estimate.

When to Call a Certified Arborist

After a heavy snow, sometimes you just need expert help for your trees. Some situations are just too risky or complicated to handle alone. It’s also smart to think about insurance and liability before any big tree work.

Recognizing Professional-Only Hazards

If you see big branches cracked or hanging, be careful. Heavy, snow-bent limbs can snap without warning.

Don’t climb trees or grab power tools if things look dicey. Certified arborists know how to deal with dangerous situations safely. They show up with the right gear and skills to remove broken branches or even whole trees without risking your property—or your neck.

Call a pro if you spot structural damage or root problems. These aren’t always obvious, but they can make trees unsafe. Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists can spot trouble and figure out the best fix.

Understanding Insurance and Liability

Always check that your arborist has proper insurance. That way, if there’s an accident while they’re working, you’re covered. Insurance protects you from property damage, injuries, or anything unexpected.

DIY tree care after a storm can get expensive fast if you mess up or get hurt. Arbor Management’s insured services give you peace of mind.

Ask for a detailed estimate and work agreement before anything starts. It clears up who’s responsible for what and what it’ll cost. Going with a certified, insured arborist helps you avoid headaches and makes sure the job’s done right.

Long-Term Tree Care After Snow Events

Keeping your trees healthy after heavy snow means watching for trouble and planning ahead. Paying attention to stress signs and making a few smart moves helps your trees stay strong for years.

Monitoring Tree Health

After a big snow, check your trees often for broken branches, cracks, or disease signs. Snow and ice can hide damage that shows up later. Look for loose bark or places where water sits—those can turn into problems.

Watch how trees grow in the spring. Slow or weak buds might mean the snow did more damage than you thought. If you’re not sure, call an ISA Certified Arborist from Arbor Management for a closer look. Early fixes keep little problems from turning into big ones.

Keep a notebook or snap photos each season. It helps you—and your arborist—track how things are going. Healthy soil, good watering, and pruning dead limbs all support recovery.

Preventing Future Snow Damage

Want to get ahead of the next storm? Regular pruning is your friend. Take out dead or weak branches so they don’t snap under snow. Watch for branches that cross or rub—they wear down bark and make trees weaker.

If your trees have heavy canopies or weak spots, cabling or bracing big limbs can help. It’s like giving your tree a little extra muscle for the next storm. Planting snow-tough tree species also reduces future headaches.

Mulch around the base helps the soil hold moisture and keeps roots happy. Don’t pile snow against trunks—rots and pests love that. Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists can create custom care plans to keep your trees thriving in Metro East.

Protecting Young and Vulnerable Trees

Young or fragile trees need extra help to make it through heavy snow. Taking steps to shield them from weight and cold helps them grow strong. Covers and smart tree choices go a long way.

Installing Protective Covers

Covers keep snow from piling up on young trees. Try tree wraps, burlap, or plastic guards for trunks and branches. Wrap loosely so air can get in, but tight enough to keep snow off.

Set up stakes around the tree and drape burlap to support branches. Skip heavy materials—they’ll just make things worse. Check covers after storms to shake off snow and adjust as needed.

These covers cut down on broken branches and bark damage. They also help stop frost cracks from cold snaps. If you’re not sure how to set them up, Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists can walk you through it.

Choosing Resilient Species

Picking trees that can handle snow stress really matters if you want them to last. Go for ones with flexible branches and strong wood—they’re just less likely to snap under pressure. A few solid picks for snowy spots:

Try to steer clear of weak-wooded types, like some willows or poplars, since they tend to break when things get heavy. The right tree should fit your climate and soil. If you’re in Madison or St. Clair County, Arbor Management can help you sort out what works best for your yard.

Disposing of Debris Responsibly

After a big snow, you’ll probably find branches, twigs, and a mess of debris scattered around. Getting rid of it the right way keeps your yard safer and tidier.

Start by sorting what you’ve got. Set aside bigger branches that could work for firewood or mulch, and pile up smaller stuff like twigs and leaves. Healthy wood might even be reused or donated.

Composting smaller debris is a smart move—it recycles organic material and helps your soil. If composting’s not an option, check your city’s green waste collection rules.

Here’s a quick checklist to dispose of debris without headaches:

• Sort debris by size
• Compost twigs and leaves
• Use big branches for mulch or firewood
• Follow your local green waste rules
• Don’t burn debris unless it’s definitely allowed

Getting rid of storm debris the right way cuts down on pests, disease, and even fire risks. Arbor Management, with ISA Certified Arborists, can help clean up your property after storms in Madison and St. Clair Counties.

Not sure about debris removal or just want someone else to handle it? You can always ask for a free estimate. Clearing out heavy snow damage helps keep your trees and property in good shape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Heavy snow can put a lot of strain on your trees, leading to breakage and other problems. Knowing a few basics before and after a storm can really help.

How can I safely remove snow from my trees without causing damage?

Use a broom or pole and gently brush snow off branches while standing on the ground. Don’t shake or hit the limbs—it just makes breakage more likely. Wait until the snow settles and the temperature’s above freezing before you start.

What signs should I look for to see if heavy snow has harmed my trees?

Check for cracked or split branches, bent or leaning trunks, and torn bark. Look for broken limbs on the ground or stuck up in the tree’s crown. These are signs your tree might need help.

Are there any special techniques to protect young trees from heavy snowfall?

Wrap young trees with burlap or tree wrap to protect them from snow weight. Stakes or guy wires can help keep them upright, but don’t tie them too tight—trees need to move a little. Clear snow gently from small branches to avoid bending or breaking.

After a snowstorm, how do I know if a tree limb is too damaged to save?

If a limb is badly cracked, hanging by a thread, or has big wounds, it’s probably not safe to keep. Dead or dry limbs with no leaves usually need to go too. An ISA Certified Arborist can give you a straight answer.

What steps can I take to prepare my trees for upcoming winter weather?

Prune out weak, dead, or crossing branches before winter. Make sure your trees are well-watered and fed during fall. Healthy, well-cared-for trees stand up to snow a lot better.

When is the best time to prune my trees to minimize snow damage in the future?

Honestly, late winter or early spring—right before the buds open—is your safest bet for pruning. Trees bounce back faster then, and you’ll set them up for sturdier branch growth. I wouldn’t recommend pruning right before the heavy snow season; that’s when branches feel weakest and most likely to break.

If you’re in Madison or St. Clair Counties and want a hand, Arbor Management’s ISA Certified Arborists can help with safe pruning, snow damage repairs, or tree health care. You can always ask for a free estimate—why not see what they suggest?