When heavy winter storms roll through, they can leave your trees coated in a layer of ice and snow. While it may look beautiful, snow and ice can also lead to a number of issues that could potentially damage your property or even put someone in harm’s way. The weight of snow or ice could cause tree branches to split or break, or even uproot trees if the soil is oversaturated. Though snow removal is important, it’s often a dangerous job best left to a qualified tree service. Whether trees on your property are overwhelmed by snow, ice, or a combination of both, here’s what you can to safely and effectively clear trees and minimize possible hazards going forward.

A Guide to Safe Snow & Ice Removal From Frosty Trees

Ice

In most cases, ice can simply be left to melt naturally. Large amounts of ice, however, can potentially bring trees down. When removing lots of ice from trees, avoid using toxic ice deicers and other chemicals, as they can cause serious damage to the tree. Also, don’t take any steps to use heat to melt the ice. If the ice leads to broken branches, you can put tree pruning on hold until spring. However, if any icy branches pose a potential risk to your home or family, they need to be removed. If that’s the case, a professional tree service will have the resources necessary to safely remove problematic branches as well as address any other issues the tree may have.

Snow

Typically, a light coat of snow won’t do enough damage to require a professional tree service, as this can usually be brushed off by hand. However, when trees appear submerged in several inches of snow, immediate snow removal becomes critical. Allowing snow to linger on trees for too long can lead to breakage, especially if the temperatures are expected to remain below freezing for a while. Though tempting, shaking a tree to remove snow can do more harm then good, as falling snow and branches could hurt those standing below. An arborist can help you asses a snowy tree for signs of damage, and if necessary, safely remove any snow that merits concern.

Since 1993, Carlos Tree Service has been committed to ensuring residents of Anchorage, AK, can enjoy healthy, beautiful trees.The certified arborist offers a wide range of comprehensive tree services, from stump and tree removal to tree trimming and pruning. take every step to ensure the tree’s health, and you can explore their services further by visiting their website. To schedule a consultation, call (907) 522-6049 today.