Hi folks, this is your friendly neighborhood tree wizard with some suggestions for maintaining the structural integrity of your high-value landscape trees during the winter
months. It has been my experience in the Tahoe Basin for the last 30 years that heavy early snow and late spring frost can damage branches if not properly braced. The most vulnerable species are dogwoods, maples, aspens, and oaks. Native evergreens are also susceptible.
In my travels, I have encountered numerous trees damaged by the weight of ice and snow. Although there may be structural damage, corrective pruning techniques can
preserve the long-term health and integrity of these trees. There are three types of structural enhancing techniques: cabling, bracing, and tying. Cabling typically involves
larger mature trees that have the potential for failure, partially or completely, during a weather event. Bracing and tying involve new plantings and deciduous trees established in the landscape. After installation, all three of these techniques must be monitored and adjusted periodically by a certified arborist or qualified tree care professional.
In my experience, a little preventative maintenance with the correct application will save homeowners thousands of dollars in replacement costs. As the temperature drops, wood tissue becomes more brittle and is susceptible to failure as the season goes on. However, it is never too late to start this process and it is oftentimes easier to see the stress points after the foliage has dropped off your deciduous trees. Our team is available for consultations in this regard and would be happy to review your property for a modest fee.
