Winter in Wisconsin is beautiful, but it can be brutal on your trees. Heavy snow and ice weigh down branches, leading to bending, breaking, or even fallen trees. This not only impacts the health of your trees but can also pose significant risks to your home and safety. The good news? With the right steps and professional help, you can take control of the situation. Here’s how to handle tree damage after a winter storm, and how Tree Wise Men LLC can assist.
Step 1: Assess the Damage
The first step is to evaluate the extent of the damage to your tree. Here’s what to look for:
- Are the branches okay? Check for hanging, snapped, or split branches that could fall at any moment.
- What about the trunk? If you notice deep cracks or splits, the tree may be unstable.
- Is a tree leaning or fallen? Significant leaning or a completely downed tree requires professional intervention.
- Are there safety hazards? Branches or trees touching power lines pose a serious risk. Step away immediately and contact your utility provider.
Keep in mind, heavy snow and ice damage isn’t always obvious. A certified arborist from Tree Wise Men LLC can conduct a detailed assessment after a storm, identifying potential risks you might miss.
Step 2: Focus on Safety First
It’s crucial to prioritize safety when dealing with storm-damaged trees:
- Don’t climb trees or ladders in icy conditions. Broken branches and slippery ice are a dangerous combination.
- Avoid using tools unless you’re experienced. Chainsaws in particular can be risky in icy, wintry conditions.
- Keep others at a distance. Clear the area of children, pets, or anyone who may not recognize the dangers of damaged trees.
Tree Wise Men LLC offers emergency storm response services to handle hazardous situations for you. Our team controls the risks, ensuring your safety and the safety of your property.
Step 3: Handle Minor Issues (If Safe)
While some jobs need professionals, you can tackle minor issues on your own:
- Shake off light snow. Use a broom or long stick to gently clear off snow (but avoid ice; trying to remove it can do more harm than good).
- Prune smaller broken branches. With clean, sharp pruning shears, trim any low, easily accessible branches that are damaged. Important: Always cut at the branch collar to encourage healthy regrowth.
For anything beyond light pruning or debris clean-up, professional tree trimming and pruning services can help shape and restore the tree for long-term health. Our team ensures every cut is made with care to benefit the tree’s structure.
Step 4: Know When to Call Tree Wise Men
Some situations are simply too dangerous or complex to handle on your own. Here are the key times you should call us:
- Large, broken branches are dangling high up and out of reach.
- The trunk is split, or the tree has a noticeable lean.
- A tree has fallen on your home, car, or other structure.
- You suspect extensive damage but aren’t sure if the tree can be saved.
Our certified arborists can perform a complete assessment to determine whether a tree can be preserved or if removal is the safest option. With our expertise, you’ll know the right course of action for your property.
Step 5: Prevent Future Damage
Once the emergency is under control, it’s time to take protective measures to minimize damage during future storms:
- Schedule regular tree trimming and pruning. Removing overgrown or weak branches reduces the chance of breakage under heavy snow and ice.
- Prioritize tree health. Mulching, watering during dry periods, and routine maintenance strengthen trees against winter stress.
- Reinforce trees as needed. Cabling and bracing can support branches or trunks that may be vulnerable.
- Strategically plant new trees. If you’re considering planting new trees, we can guide you in selecting species resilient to Wisconsin winters and place them thoughtfully on your property for safety.
Leave the Hard Work to the Experts
Winter storms are unpredictable, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Tree Wise Men LLC is here to help with:
- Emergency storm response to safely remove hazards and clear debris.
- Expert tree trimming and pruning to keep your trees strong and prepared for future winters.
- Detailed assessments by certified arborists to evaluate damage and plan your tree’s recovery or removal as needed.
With our local expertise and commitment to quality, we’ll give your trees the care and attention they need to thrive—even after the worst snow and ice. Reach out today to schedule your tree services or request help after a storm. Your trees are in good hands with Tree Wise Men!
