Snow load on trees

Last week I briefly mentioned part of last year’s stress to trees was the damaging snow in December. Heavy and wet snow accumulated quickly and temperatures dropped, freezing heavy masses to tree crowns. Due to these conditions limbs, tops, and even entire tree trunks failed. While not as widespread, it was similar in damage to the Ice Storm of ’96.

A large portion of this season's repair pruning was due to last December's weather event. While damage was done to arborvitae hedges, shrubs and trees alike, there were specific species that were impacted more than others. The tree species that we received the most calls about was the River Birch. Since the typical River Birch grows two, three, and sometimes four individual stems right from the ground, they tend grow away from each other for space and sunlight. This sets the tree up for damage, as it converts a basic lever arm that can become weakened under weight. In this case the snow and ice end up weighing down the stem resulting in bends or breaks. Many River Birches were broken, while others bent to the point of deformation. They may have come back up, but not to their original and near upright form. With trees like this we had to perform some reduction pruning to help get them back into a tighter and more upright growing pattern once again.

Winter if far from over and meteorologists are calling for above normal snowfall even here in the valley. If your reachable trees and shrubs do get laden down with snow, help them out and grab a broom to knock some snow off or consider calling an Arborist for some proper structure pruning. Yes, we are still working in the winter!

Last but not least and in fact the most important, have a Merry Christmas!

For further questions, consultations, or quotes call today. Contact Grace Tree Service in Hayden at (208) 762-5800.