Snow on trees is an inevitable part of winter in Colorado. To some, it adds beauty to the surroundings, and it’s a natural part of the season. But can snow damage trees in Loveland, CO? Unfortunately, yes, it can. Heavy snow can be hazardous to the trees on your property. Here’s what you need to know.
How snow on trees does damage
While snow may seem light and fluffy as it falls, if you’ve ever had to shovel large quantities of it, you know snow can become very heavy as it accumulates. As the snow on trees builds up, it starts weighing down the branches. Particularly if it is wet snow, the accumulation of snow on trees in Loveland, CO can do a lot of damage to the tree.
Under the weight of the snow, tree branches may bend or break. With enough weight, the entire tree may split or break and fall. The snow can also cause the tree to uproot entirely.
Factors that affect snow on trees
Several factors influence the effect that snow on trees in Loveland, CO has on your property’s plants. First is the type of plant. Coniferous evergreens can handle more snow than other types of evergreens, such as broadleaf varieties.
The second factor is the shape of the tree. If the tree has branches that are more spread out, it is more likely to be damaged by snow than a tree with branches that grow at a steep angle. Additionally, if the tree has narrow, vertical branch unions, it is more likely to suffer damage from snow accumulation than a tree with large, right-angle branches.
The third factor is the type of snow. Heavy, wet snow is more likely to cause damage due to its weight. Lastly, the fourth important factor is the time of year. A wet snow in March is less likely to do damage than one in early fall, when the tree is still full of leaves.
How to avoid damage from snow on trees
Can snow damage trees in Loveland, CO? Yes, but you can also take steps to avoid this damage. The best option is to partner with a local tree service to keep your trees trimmed and healthy. These professionals can make sure all dead or weak limbs are removed and your trees are ready to withstand winter storms.
Don’t wait until your trees are covered in snow. Service your trees regularly to keep them in the best shape year-round. When the snow starts piling up in January, you’ll be glad you did!
Protect your trees from snow
To prevent damage from snow on trees in Loveland, CO, contact Rocky Mountain Tree Service. We specialize in a variety of services, including tree trimming, tree removal, bush trimming and removal, stump grinding, yard work, storm damage cleanup and more. As an ISA Certified Arborist with over 20 years of experience, we value providing quality services at an affordable price. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you and get started on caring for your trees.