Trees take on a whole other dimension in winter. Snowcapped evergreens look festive, while deciduous trees can look more sculptural and ornamental. But just as their appearance changes, so can their health. Winter can pose many challenges for trees, from winter desiccation and winter burn to snow and ice damage and pest damage.
All of these winter tree concerns point to the need for more proactive care during the colder months. And while there are lots of things you can do to protect the trees on your property, sometimes it’s best to call the pros. It’s quite common for homeowners to believe a tree has gone dormant over the winter when, in reality, it is diseased or may need to be removed.
The experts at The Parke Company are here to help. From crown thinning to weight reduction or a complete tree removal, our certified arborists are passionate about Nashville’s tree ecosystem and specialize in quality tree care you can rely on.
Winter Weather and Tree Hazards
Nashville’s winter weather can present several potential hazards for trees. Ice and snow, strong winds, and temperature fluctuations can cause branches to break and trees to fall. The added weight of snow and ice can cause branches to break, even in healthy trees. This can trigger power outages and other dangerous conditions for surrounding residents and homeowners.
Evergreens are particularly vulnerable to snow and ice accumulations because their needles provide a larger surface area. In combination with strong winds and storms, trees can become so heavy that if their root network is not strong or they’re in soggy ground, they can be uprooted.
Lack of water during winter is also common when the ground is frozen. This also particularly impacts evergreens, which lose water through their needles year-round.
Tree species that are more susceptible to damage over winter include the Bradford Pear, Silver Maple, Willow, Hackberry, River Birch, and Virginia Pine. All these species are at high risk of damage and hazardous conditions due to their brittle wood or weak branch structures, which are prone to failure under the stress of winter elements.
Magnolias and Pin Oaks are also susceptible to winter damage, but they are not at as high a risk as those just mentioned. Since they retain their leaves and collect more ice, they do need to be monitored.
Species that are normally resistant to damage over winter are the Black Walnut, Ginkgo, White Oak, and Kentucky Coffeetree. All these species have strong wood and branching that help them withstand seasonal pressures.
Signs a Tree Should Be Removed in Winter
There are plenty of signs indicating that a tree needs to be removed. Fortunately, winter can help lay bare many of these signs since many trees lose their leaves this time of year. Obvious things like leaning, visible roots, or splits in branches that form a “V” or a “Y” shape are cause for concern and should be assessed by a professional arborist.
Bare, brittle twigs that snap easily and large branches that didn’t bud during spring may also need removing. Other signs to look out for include mushrooms or shelf fungi on the trunk or roots; a hollow trunk or a trunk with soft, spongy spots; deep vertical splits or cracks; and peeling bark that exposes dry wood, or deep frost cracks caused by fluctuating temperatures.
Winter Tree Care: DIY vs. Hiring an Expert
Since winter often makes a tree’s branches more visible, it can be tempting to think that cutting it or removing it on your own would be easy. It’s understandable why some homeowners would consider tackling this chore, especially for smaller trees, but tree cutting and removal is one of those tasks where the risks far outweigh the potential rewards—especially in winter.
Without professional training, it’s extremely difficult to accurately assess a tree’s weight distribution, internal decay, or fall path. Even a small miscalculation can result in a branch or tree trunk coming down in an unexpected direction. This has the potential to cause serious injury or damage to your home, vehicle, or neighboring property. Once again, winter weather increases these risks.
Professional arborists bring the right equipment, experience, insurance, and rigorous standards to the job to ensure proper tree removal in Nashville and Middle TN. This is particularly important in areas with power lines, properties close to each other, and high-traffic areas.
When tree troubles arise, the safest decision is always to call a professional tree service. At The Parke Company, our certified arborists are trained in every area of tree cutting and removal.
Benefits of Winter Tree Removal
From a professional standpoint, winter is one of the best times to evaluate and address potential tree issues. Once deciduous trees shed their leaves and enter dormancy, their structure is fully exposed, giving our arborists an unobstructed view of what’s going on.
Without foliage in the way, we’re able to closely assess branch connections, identify dead or diseased limbs, and spot structural weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed during the growth season. This extra visibility allows us to determine whether a tree can be preserved, should be pruned, or requires removal. Planned and controlled removal is also safer and more cost-effective than emergency services.
Winter Is the Right Time for Professional Tree Services
Snow load, ice accumulation, high winds, and fluctuating temperatures can quickly turn a decaying or diseased tree into a serious hazard. When warning signs appear, timely tree removal can prevent costly damage.
For homeowners, commercial property managers, and municipal leaders alike, winter is a great time to have your trees assessed. Proactive planning can reduce the overall cost of tree removal, especially when emergency services are required or a tree has caused property damage. More importantly, working with a qualified arborist ensures every decision is guided by a species’ unique requirements, its health, and proper industry safety standards.
The Parke Company provides trusted tree services and solutions designed to keep Nashville properties safe year-round. From careful assessments to controlled removal, we are the experts that Nashville property owners can rely on. Safety, efficiency, professionalism, and a customer-first approach drive our mission to keep Nashville trees healthy and thriving season after season and to keep your trees looking their best.
If you’re unsure whether a tree in your yard might pose a risk this winter, contact The Parke Company and schedule an expert evaluation. Be proactive with your tree and landscape maintenance this season, and let’s protect your property before winter takes its toll.