How to Revive Trees Damaged by Winter Storms

Winter storms can leave your trees looking rough, with broken branches and bent trunks. But many trees can recover if you act quickly. At Toler’s Tree Service, we care about helping you learn how to revive trees damaged by winter storms and keep your landscape healthy. Here’s the steps we recommend you take.

Quick Damage Assessment

Only assess your trees when it is safe to do so. Your safety is the top priority, so never attempt to handle branches that are near or touching power lines—always call a professional for help. Once the coast is clear, look for:

• Broken Branches: Carefully check for branches that are broken, hanging, or look weak. These will need to be properly pruned to prevent further damage and allow the tree to heal.
• Split Trunks or Bark: Examine the trunk for any splits or deep cracks in the bark. This type of damage can expose the tree to disease and pests, signaling a more serious structural problem.
• Leaning Trunks and Uprooting: A leaning trunk may indicate that the roots have been damaged or that the soil has shifted. This can be a serious issue, as it compromises the tree's stability and overall health.

If less than half the canopy is damaged, the Arbor Day Foundation notes your tree likely has a chance to recover. It's also important to assess the overall health of the tree and look for any signs of pest infestation or disease. Consulting with a certified arborist can also help determine the best course of action for recovery.

Steps for Tree Recovery

Helping your tree bounce back from winter damage is possible with simple steps:

1. Prune safely. Remove damaged branches with clean cuts to prevent disease. Commercial tree pruning can ensure proper technique and promote new growth.
2. Repair bark. Smooth out torn bark edges to help wounds heal and keep pests out.
3. Mulch and water. Add mulch (not touching the trunk) and give extra water as spring arrives to support new growth.

For larger pruning jobs, it's often best to wait until late winter or early spring. The Smithsonian Gardens explains this timing helps the tree heal effectively and encourages robust new growth as the weather warms. Following expert advice on how to revive trees damaged by winter storms is crucial for their long-term health.

When to Call the Experts

While minor damage can often be handled on your own, it's wise to call in professionals for more serious issues. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to seek an expert opinion from certified arborists:

• Extensive damage: If more than a third of the tree’s major limbs are broken or the trunk is split.
• Leaning trees: A sudden lean indicates potential root damage or instability, posing a significant fall risk.
• Safety concerns: Large, broken branches hanging overhead or trees situated near power lines or structures require immediate professional attention.

Greenville NC landscaping companies like Toler’s Tree Service have the expertise to safely assess structural integrity. They can determine if the tree can be saved with specialized supports like cabling or bracing, or if removal is the safest option to protect your property.

Restore Your Trees with Toler’s Tree Service

Knowing how to revive trees damaged by winter storms keeps your property safe and looking its best. For advice, commercial tree pruning, or other tree maintenance services, Toler’s Tree Service can help assist residential or commercial properties across Eastern NC. Contact us today and let’s get your trees thriving again.