Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
As the nation waits out snow and ice storms, care should be taken with ice-covered trees. In most cases, ice-encrusted trees should be left alone and any pruning delayed until the water melts. Most limbs bent under the burden of ice and snow will spring back when the weight disappears. A recent study published in Northeastern Naturalist (Rhoades and Stipes, 2007) noted that ice affects different tree species with various rates of damage. White oak and arborvitae (thuja) were rated as relatively resistant, while sugar and black maple fared poorly. Trees in good general health?EUR??,,????'?????<
As the nation waits out snow and ice storms, care should be taken with ice-covered trees. In most cases, ice-encrusted trees should be left alone and any pruning delayed until the water melts. Most limbs bent under the burden of ice and snow will spring back when the weight disappears.
A recent study published in Northeastern Naturalist (Rhoades and Stipes, 2007) noted that ice affects different tree species with various rates of damage. White oak and arborvitae (thuja) were rated as relatively resistant, while sugar and black maple fared poorly. Trees in good general health?EUR??,,????'?????<
The weight of the ice has left trees sagging or even broken fragile branches, and evergreens may be bent over. A natural inclination may be to go out and knock off the ice, but experts say don?EUR??,,????'?????< ?EUR??,,????'?????< Knocking off the ice could take it to that point. Dale Palmer, a landscape architect with Grieder Sod and Landscaping in Bloomington, agreed. ?EUR??,,????'?????< Wait for Warmth Instead, wait until the ice melts and the tree warms up. Many trees will bounce right back. Meismer said the exceptions could be evergreens. ?EUR??,,????'?????< Once the ice is gone, it may be necessary to help the evergreen stand up and tie it to a stake so it can stay up, he said. Palmer said to be sure to use a tie that won?EUR??,,????'?????< ?EUR??,,????'?????< Meanwhile, if a branch is damaged and needs to be cut, make sure you do it at the proper location or you could cause the tree more damage. Sources: Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph, Northeastern Naturalist
The weight of the ice has left trees sagging or even broken fragile branches, and evergreens may be bent over. A natural inclination may be to go out and knock off the ice, but experts say don?EUR??,,????'?????<
?EUR??,,????'?????<
Knocking off the ice could take it to that point.
Dale Palmer, a landscape architect with Grieder Sod and Landscaping in Bloomington, agreed. ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Instead, wait until the ice melts and the tree warms up. Many trees will bounce right back. Meismer said the exceptions could be evergreens.
Once the ice is gone, it may be necessary to help the evergreen stand up and tie it to a stake so it can stay up, he said.
Palmer said to be sure to use a tie that won?EUR??,,????'?????<
Meanwhile, if a branch is damaged and needs to be cut, make sure you do it at the proper location or you could cause the tree more damage.
Sources: Bloomington (Ill.) Pantagraph, Northeastern Naturalist
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.