Johnson City, TN

A healthy tree is built to last through all seasons. However, when weather conditions get severe, as they were during the snowstorm that hit East Tennessee in the middle of January, 2024, it can wreak havoc on even a strong, mature tree. Your trees may sustain significant damage or, in a worst-case scenario, fall. Today on the blog, your arborists at Promier Tree explore how you can prevent tree fall this winter.

Tree damage during winter weather

Bitterly cold temperatures, combined with high winds, saturated soil and the weight of fallen snow can be a recipe for disaster for your trees. The consequences may include broken branches, the severance of a major limb or damage to the trunk or root structure. Trees and shrubs are resilient and can recover from most weather-related injuries, but sometimes the damage is just too much.

Be proactive

In an interview with KRCB Sonoma County News. Fred Frey provided some advice on preventing tree fall:

“The best thing to do right now is watch your trees,” he said. “Do you notice anything anomalous? Are you looking out and seeing a lean that you don’t recall seeing? Do you see a branch that’s in a position that you don’t recall seeing?”

In short, Frey believes that the people best qualified to identify problems with a tree are the individuals who see it every day.

Know the warning signs of a tree in distress

• A sudden lean: As mentioned earlier, is your tree suddenly tilting in one direction? This can be a sign of soil saturation, which could leave your tree vulnerable to toppling in any high winds.
• Cracked limbs: Broken branches are part of the natural cycle for a tree but if a major limb has cracks, that means it shows signs of failure. Large branches and major limbs can do damage to people, animals and property and should be taken care of promptly by an experienced tree professional.
• Soil fissures: Is a root suddenly emerging from the soil where it previously did not? Is the soil mounded on one side of the tree where it was not beforehand? Do you see cracks starting to develop in the soil around the trunk? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, your tree could be in jeopardy.

Seek the services of a qualified arborist

If you’re in doubt about the condition of your tree, or if you just want to ensure your healthy-looking trees can stand up to the rigors of winter, then contact a qualified, certified arborist. An arborist is a tree expert who has completed rigorous training and study.

Tree risk evaluations in Kingsport, Johnson City and Bristol in Tennessee

At Promier Tree, every one of our arborists is certified with the ISA. Our arborists are experienced and knowledgeable about all the species of tree that are native to East Tennessee. We can send an arborist to evaluate the trees at your home or business, no matter what the weather or the season is. To schedule a health evaluation for your trees, contact us online or call (423) 765-2626 today.