Prevent snow and ice damage
Below are a few important tips to identify and care for trees that are subject to snow and ice damage:
1) Identify susceptible trees
Evergreens seem to incur the most snow and ice damage due to their year round foliage. This permits more surface area for snow and ice to accumulate. Some specific evergreens include: Hollies, White Pine, Virginia Pine, Arborvitae species, Leyland Cypress, and Spruce trees.
Trees that have pre-existing structural issues. This can include multiple dominate stems, trees with decay or cavities, or trees with poor root systems. Our Arborist are trained to identify structural issues (even hidden ones) based on the shape and structure of the tree.
Overgrown trees. These are often found in the urban landscape. Overgrown trees are species often are exposed to excess sunlight in certain areas which causes “phototropic” growth. That just means they grow toward the sunlight. This can cause overextended limbs to form. These limbs are subject to snow and ice damage.
2) Treatment
Crown reduction: The scope of this service is species dependent. Some trees can tolerate a crown reduction by reducing up to 25% of terminal growth. This would include Pear trees and many evergreens. It is important to make sure a qualified arborist is prescribing and performing this treatment. Ask a tree company if the “top” trees before hiring them for crown reduction. If the answer is yes, then they are likely an un-qualified tree company,
Limb reduction: Our arborist will identify overextended limbs and make recommendations for reduction. It is important that limb are reduced back to a suitable “parent stem”. This will prevent future dieback. Also, if performed properly, the tree will maintain a natural look as opposed to being left with short or “stubby” limbs.
3) Growth regulators
This would be a preventative service. Growth regulators can inhibit crown growth for 3-4 years. A tree should be pruned for proper size and structure before the growth regulator is applied, as this product is active in the newest growth, and if pruned it will remove the effective product. Growth regulators will reduce the need for future pruning as they maintain a healthy crown size. In addition, growth regulators improve tree health by reallocation of stored energy, which is sent to root growth. Ask us if growth regulators are a good option for your tree!