Unfortunately, winter ice storms are a common and often destructive weather event in the Seattle, Tacoma, and Puget Sound regions. These storms can pose a significant threat to the health and stability of trees because of the additional weight of ice accumulation, which can cause branches to break, trees to lean, and even complete tree failure. Winter storm-damaged trees can lead to potential damage to homes, power lines, and other property. If you have experienced tree damage from a storm, prompt care and removal are essential to ensure not only the safety of your property but also to preserve the health of any damaged trees. Acting promptly is crucial because any damage can lead to increased stress on the trees, making them more susceptible to many problems. In this blog post, we’ll discuss ice storm tree damage, what you can do about it, and how to minimize future ice storm damage.

Understanding Ice Storm Tree Damage

Winter storm tree damage can vary depending on the storm’s severity, the type of trees affected, and the amount of ice accumulation on the branches. Several different types of damages are often observed after an ice storm, including:

Bark Damage

Heavy ice that has accumulated on trees can cause the bark to crack or peel off, particularly in trees that are already stressed or weakened. In the Puget Sound area, maple trees are often vulnerable to bark damage during ice storms, leaving the winter storm-damaged trees exposed to infections or pests.

Cracked or Broken Branches

Cracked or broken tree branches are some of the most common results of winter storm tree damage. This is caused by ice falling on a tree. The ice can become very heavy and weigh down the tree branches, causing them to break or snap off. Soft wood trees, such as poplars, birches, and some evergreens, tend to be more prone to ice damage than other trees.

Fallen or Leaning Trees

In severe cases, ice accumulation can be heavy enough to tip or lean trees, particularly if they are young or diseased. Ice storms can also be accompanied by heavy winds, which can also cause trees to topple. Trees with shallow root systems, such as poplars, willows, and some maples, can be more prone to toppling because of their instability.

Evergreen Tree Damage

The many beautiful evergreen trees in the Seattle area, including Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and Western hemlock, are particularly susceptible to becoming winter storm-damaged trees if not taken care of properly. Their dense foliage captures a lot of ice and snow, weighing down the branches and making them susceptible to many sources of weight stress. Evergreen trees are also susceptible to trunk and root damage.

Immediate Steps After Ice Storm Tree Damage

If a severe Seattle storm has caused damage to your trees, the most important thing to remember is not to attempt to repair the damage on your own. First, contact an arborist for emergency storm damage response and emergency tree removal. Visually inspect winter storm-damaged trees from a safe distance, taking note of any damaged or broken limbs. Document the damage for insurance purposes by taking pictures. It’s important to handle only small, safe debris and leave large or hazardous damage to professional arborists like Pacific Arboriculture. If trees are interfering with power lines, contact utility companies as soon as possible. Acting fast on tree damage after a storm helps ensure no further damage to your trees and property.

Professional Tree Services for Winter Storm Damage

There are many advantages to hiring professional tree care services after an ice storm if you need storm damaged tree clean up. Because arborists are trained to evaluate the structural health of the trees, they can identify hidden risks such as broken limbs, cracked trunks, and compromised roots that could post future hazards. When you call an arborist, like Pacific Arboriculture, we’ll arrive at the scene with all the correct and necessary tools to safely remove damaged limbs without putting anyone or any property at risk. When contacting a tree service, it’s critical to seek out licensed, insured local removal companies in Seattle and Tacoma. Pacific Arboriculture is a licensed, insured, professional tree company that uses ISA’s Best Management Practices while adhering to ANSI Z133 safety standards. When you give us a call, we’ll arrive quickly to take care of any issues.

Preventative Care to Minimize Future Ice Storm Damage

Taking proactive steps before the next storm will help ensure your trees are healthy and well-maintained. It’s important to remember that well-maintained trees are more likely to withstand the stress of heavy snow and ice without breaking.

One of the most important things is ensuring your trees are regularly pruned. Regular tree pruning ensures that all weak, dead, or damaged branches are removed before the next storm, reducing the risk of more extensive, costlier damage. Consider scheduling pre-winter tree inspections by a professional arborist to catch any potential issues and vulnerabilities. Many arborists, including Pacific Arboriculture, offer free tree risk assessments. In addition, consider planting storm-resistant trees, such as Douglas Fir or Western hemlock, that are well-suited to Seattle’s climate. Taking these steps will prevent trees from being damaged by an ice storm and further winter storm tree damage.

Trust Pacific Arboriculture to Prepare Your Trees for Winter

If you have experienced storm-damaged trees on your property, give Pacific Arboriculture a call. Our trained arborists have the expertise and equipment to assess and remove broken limbs and fallen trees. With the cold winter weather and ice storms coming, it’s much better to be proactive by contacting a professional and trusted tree care company to prevent further issues. Regular inspections by Pacific Arboriculture can help save your property, save you time and even money by helping you minimize potential expensive risks and keeping your property safe. Don’t wait until the next ice storm hits the Seattle area; reach out to Pacific Arboriculture today to schedule your tree maintenance to ensure your trees are ready for potential ice storms. Contact us today for a free service estimate!