It’s cold and snowy out there (and fun too☃️) But, don’t forget to keep an eye on the trees in your yard.
Freezing temperatures and snow buildup can be hard on trees.
And after such a dry January here in Victoria, our trees might be at greater risk of injury and damage.
Here’s a few things to watch for:
(And when in doubt.. if that ladder seems wobbly.. if you’ve got some limbs close to power lines, or whatever the case. Call your local victoria arborists for help)
#1 Snow and Ice Accumulation
Heavy snow can weigh down branches, causing them to break. Pay attention to the weight of snow on your trees, especially evergreens with dense foliage. Gently remove excess snow with a broom, brushing upwards to avoid snapping branches.
Over-Extended & Heavy-Laden Branches
Douglas Firs and other conifers with limbs stretching beyond the main canopy are at high risk of breaking under heavy snow. Lower branches on large trees can also become weighed down and vulnerable to snapping—especially near driveways, roofs, or walkways.
Hedges & Fragile Trees
Evergreen magnolias and emerald cedars often suffer damage from snow accumulation. Keep an eye out for snapped branches in magnolia trees and significant snow build up emerald cedar and other hedges. Bent over hedges can be corrected by tying them back or selectively pruning them. Ideally we prune trees prior to the snow season to remove branches at risk and reduce the surface area for snow to accumulate on.
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#2 Salt Exposure Near Roads & Pavements
Be mindful of heavy use of salts around your neighbourhood and see if the runoff comes into your yard. Rinse off nearby trees in early spring to help reduce salt buildup in the soil.
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Trees species notes:
- Garry oaks are known for their drought tolerance and are fairly cold-hardy.
- Arbutus trees are a bit more sensitive to cold than Garry oaks. Arbutus leaves can suffer from “winter burn” or browning due to cold, drying winds.
- Hedges & Fragile Trees – Evergreen magnolias and emerald cedars often suffer damage from snow accumulation. If you notice bending or sagging branches, they could be at risk of breakage, potentially causing property damage.
- Young Douglas Firs can be more susceptible to frost damage in their first few years.
- Mature Dougs are known for shedding branches, especially as they mature – so too much weight on some limbs from snow could cause snapping.
- Western Hemlocks can handle cold temperatures, but their branching structure makes them prone to snow load damage. Their branches can be somewhat brittle, and heavy snow can cause breakage.
- Western Red Cedars are extremely hardy and well-adapted to cold, snowy climates.
- Fruit Trees, like Apple, Cherry, Plum.. are moderately susceptible to cold and snow, varying by cultivar. They can be vulnerable to late spring frosts, and also, fluctuating temperatures (freezing and thawing) can be problematic, as this can break dormancy prematurely
Should you water your trees when it’s cold?
Avoid watering if the ground is frozen. If you can push a shovel or a screwdriver into the soil, it’s still absorbent.
If the ground is frozen solid, water won’t penetrate the soil, meaning tree roots won’t be able to absorb it. If partially frozen but still has some moisture movement, trees can still take up water slowly.
You should water trees early in the day to allow water to soak in before temperatures drop further at night.
Stay Safe!
If you’re concerned about heavy snow on your trees, assess the risk but avoid attempting DIY snow removal—some branches may already be compromised. Our certified arborists can help with proactive pruning or post-storm care to keep your trees safe and healthy.
Need support?
Learn more about how Advantage Tree Care can help with Tree pruning services in Victoria.
Or contact us by email with any queries you have.
