Trees in Whidbey Island and the surrounding area take a real beating during the winter months. That’s why it’s important to look out for several things when winter arrives. Heavy snow and ice, as well as wind and ice damage, can harm the trees on your property. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following things to pay attention to when Old Man Winter comes calling.
Wind Damage
Even in areas without major snowfall, fluctuating high winds can spell serious harm for trees. Heavy winds can cause physical damage causing branches to break and fall. Heavy wind can also topple entire trees altogether. Windsail reduction is a preventative tree care service that works to reduce wind resistance in a tree’s canopy. By selectively removing branches throughout the crown of a tree, a certified arborist can reduce a windsail effect by increasing wind penetration and passage through a tree. This, in turn, will make a tree less likely to bend or fail during heavy wind storms that occasionally sweep through the northwest.
Snow & Ice Damage
Occasionally, Whidbey Island gets a heavy ice or snow storm that collects on the branches of a tree, causing them to break. That’s why trees should always be inspected for ice and snow damage during the winter. Heavy snowfall, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures can lead to cracks in the trunk, branches and branch unions. If moderate to major storm damage occurs, it’s best to contact a certified arborist to access the health and integrity of a tree. Trees can often make a full recovery if broken or hazardous branches are removed immediately by a professional.
Salt Damage
With winter in full season, many people have changed their focus from taking care of their landscapes to taking care of sidewalks, driveways, and roads. While deicing is an important part of winter safety, rock salt and other deicing materials can also cause widespread damage to nearby trees and shrubs. That’s why it’s important to avoid using salt if at all possible and to protect susceptible trees by using plastic, burlap or snow fencing to form a protective barrier between your trees and nearby roads or sidewalks where salt is used to prevent ice.
Preventative Pruning
Regular inspection and careful pruning by a certified arborist ensures your trees are stable and ready to withstand a winter storm. If you haven’t had your trees pruned this year, winter is the best time to get it done. After the leaves of your trees have dropped, it’s easier for a certified arborist to eliminate diseased or weak limbs that are often more susceptible to winter damage.
Westcoast Tree Care
If you are uncertain about your trees withstanding winter storms, it’s important to contact a certified arborist to inspect and assess the health and integrity of your trees and to create a plan to keep them in the best possible shape during the season. With a little care and planning, the trees on your property can thrive in any season. To learn more or to schedule a no-cost, no-obligation quote, contact Westcoast Tree Care at 1.800.767.8733 today.
