Repair Ice and Snow-laden Trees Cautiously

This article was originally published on December 10, 2007 and expired on March 10, 2008. It is provided here for archival purposes and may contain dated information.

Wintry weather such as has spread across much of northern Illinois can leave shrubs and trees ice and snow. Some plants may be weighted down to the point where some breakage may occur. "With care, homeowners may be able to help the plants recover," says John A. Church, University of Illinois Extension Educator, Natural Resources, Rockford. If damaged plants need pruning, go cautiously, he says. Be careful to protect plants from additional damage, and it is also important to protect the person doing the pruning from injury.

There are different approaches to handling a snow or ice problem on different types of plants. On evergreen shrubs and trees, Church advises taking a "wait and see" approach as much as possible. Let Mother Nature reduce the problem by allowing the ice and snow to melt. Do not force ice and frozen snow off branches, which can cause more damage. Broken branches that present a danger to people or to the rest of the tree or surrounding plants can be cut off and removed. Brush off as much loose snow as possible to help reduce the weight load. Use boards or other props under heavy laden branches to help reduce further breakage.

It may take some patience to deal with evergreens by first letting melting occur and then letting the tree or shrub regain its natural shape. Some branches may need to be pruned out next spring, while some may remain bent for several years, but be sure to give future growth time to help the tree regain its appearance before doing any severe pruning.

On deciduous trees, icing may cause more damage than heavy snow. Even if the damage is severe, the tree can usually be saved with proper pruning and care. The trees may not be "pretty" again for a few years, but most should recover well. Make pruning cuts flush against another branch if possible and do not leave small stubs at the ends of branches after pruning. If a branch has completely been broken off the tree, removing the damaged stubs will help keep the tree healthier. Improperly pruned branches with stubs left intact are more susceptible to disease entering through the decaying end of the branch.

Fertilize and water the damaged trees and shrubs properly next spring, Church said, noting that stressed and damaged plants are the most susceptible to disease, insect, and weather related problems. Fertilizer also helps promote new growth to replace the damaged areas.

If large trees or branches need repair or removal, homeowners may need to contact professional tree trimmers, Church said, advising them to obtain several bids and asking each contractor to explain their procedures, insurance, etc. in advance.

Information on repair pruning, ice-tolerant trees, general maintenance, and other storm related information is available through University of Illinois Extension websites at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/disaster/after.html or http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rockfordcenter.

Source: John Church, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management, churchj@illinois.edu