During the winter season in Lake Forest Park, the ice and snow can prove to be hazardous. Snow bent branches are a frequent problem during this time of year leaving homeowners to deal with damaged trees on their property. That’s why Westcoast Tree Care would like to provide you with the following tips to properly handle snow covered trees.
Ensure It’s Safety
Before you do anything, the first step of dealing with a snow covered tree is to make sure the area around it is safe and that there are no damaged power lines nearby. Broken, snow damaged trees can be a serious safety hazard and if power lines have been damaged, it’s important to contact your local power company immediately and seek the help of a certified arborist.
Assess The Damage
Heavy rain and snow storms can cause significant damage to trees. That’s why it’s important to assess any damage that may have occurred after a storm to ensure maximum safety. A broken branch or compromised tree may not be visible unless you inspect it closely. However, it’s important to proceed with caution.
Don’t Shake Snow Covered Branches
If a tree is covered by heavy snow, it’s best to wait a few days for it to melt. Heavy snow can weaken branches, making them hazardous and unpredictable. That’s why you should never shake snow covered branches.
Don’t Go The DIY Route
Upon inspection, you may feel that you need to prune or trim some damaged branches. However, it’s important not to go the DIY route. In fact, it’s best to completely avoid doing anything without the assistance of a certified arborist who is trained and certified in the best tree care practices. This will not only ensure your safety but the safety of people and property below.
Lake Forest Park Tree Care
It may so happen that a snow-covered tree becomes severely damaged. That’s why it’s important to hire a certified arborist who has the proper equipment and training to prune or remove a damaged tree altogether. At Westcoast Tree Care, our certified arborist is trained to handle any winter tree care situation.
If you find you’re in need of any of our winter tree care services, contact us at 1.800.767.8733 for a no-cost, no-obligation quote.