Winter is tough enough on healthy trees as it is, but when you have deadwood lingering about, it’s a bigger problem than you think. Trees that are already stressed out don’t do well with harsh weather, and any damaged or broken limbs are just waiting to snap off from the stress of ice or snow. Keeping deadwood in winter isn’t good for the tree itself, and for everything around it. If the branches fall unexpectedly, the harm can be severe.
Why Deadwood is a Problem in Winter
Deadwood isn’t just another part of the tree, so the way it behaves is completely different. Like the name suggests, that part of the tree is basically dead. It’s really fragile and tends to become brittle and breakable because it’s no longer getting any nourishment. As soon as it’s starting to get cold, all the moisture inside the wood starts swelling and makes weak branches even weaker. With heavy snow and high winds, those branches are for sure going to break off, regardless if you want them to or not. Although it might look fine in the fall, it could be a safety hazard in the winter.
The branches falling off aren’t your only concern though, deadwood is the perfect home for pests and disease, which can infect the rest of that tree or others nearby. Winter might slow down some infestations, but a lot of insects and fungi love to live in rotting wood, just waiting for warmer weather to infect. Keeping deadwood in winter gives them the perfect home to survive in and wait for spring to come, then they’ll really start doing some damage.
Keeping Deadwood in Winter is a Safety Hazard
One of the biggest risks of keeping deadwood in winter is it can cause some serious property damage. If a large limb or dead tree falls, it can hit power lines, roofs, cars, or whatever is in its path. The extra weight of ice and snow adds even more stress, and makes it even more unpredictable. What might seem like a strong limb might not be the case when winter weather tests it.
For homeowners, the clean up after a storm is a headache. Having to deal with a bunch of broken branches, on top of the snow and ice, makes cleanup harder. If a tree is dead and leaning in one direction, it might not make it through the winter at all. Trimming these threats before the start of the season is the best way to avoid an emergency later. Or if your tree is too far gone, then it might be better to get professionals to remove your tree.
Deadwood Attracts Pests and Disease
Keeping deadwood in winter is more or less an open invitation to insects. If you think you’re insect-free in winter, then think again. Rotten wood is the perfect place for insects like carpenter ants, termites, and beetles. Some burrow so deep that they can survive the cold, and in spring, they’re as strong as ever. If the deadwood is close to a house or other structures, such insects can easily make their way inside while searching for warmth.
Fungal infections also spread through deadwood. Spores settle into cracks and crevices, growing even in freezing conditions. Once the weather warms up, those fungi can attack healthy parts of the tree, which spreads so fast that by the time you notice it, it might already be too late. This makes it even worse if that tree is next to a bunch of other trees, since it only takes 1 infected branch to start a chain reaction and infect the whole group of them.
Weak Branches Can Become Dangerous Projectiles
Winter doesn’t just bring snow, it brings strong winds that can send loose branches flying. Deadwood that might seem securely attached could break off under pressure, turning into a serious hazard. A sudden gust can send a branch into windows, cars, or even people.
Branches don’t have to be that big to be dangerous. If it’s going quickly enough, even the smaller ones can do some damage. During the winter, branches can fall and take out power lines, leaving homes without electricity when it’s needed most. It’s always better to prevent these kinds of problems before they happen. If you need professionals to trim your trees, Dragonetti Tree Removal is more than happy to help!
The Weight of Snow and Ice Makes Everything Worse
Healthy trees are flexible enough to handle the extra weight of snow and ice, but deadwood isn’t. Once a limb stops receiving nutrients, it loses its elasticity. The weight of ice adds up, and without that elasticity, branches snap much more easily. You’d be surprised with how many branches a single ice storm can bring down in just a few hours.
When heavy branches fall, they don’t go down alone, often taking healthy parts of the tree down with them. That means even trees that could have survived the winter may suffer permanent damage just because deadwood was left in place. Taking action before the cold sets in can protect both the trees and the area around it.
Removing Deadwood is Harder in The Middle of Winter
With winter in full swing, removing deadwood becomes more difficult. Ice-covered limbs are harder to cut safely, and the frozen ground makes cleanup more complicated. Snowfall can also hide weak branches, making them harder to spot before they break. Taking care of deadwood in the fall means avoiding the hassle of mid-winter emergency tree work.
When to Remove Deadwood
The best time to remove deadwood is before winter. Fall is ideal since trees are starting to go dormant, making clipping them less stressful. If branches are already showing signs of decay, like peeling bark, hollow sections, or visible cracks, they should be removed ASAP. Trees that lean or have large dead sections should also be inspected for potential risks.
For trees close to structures, sidewalks, or roads, removing deadwood should be a priority. Even if the branches seem small, winter conditions can turn them into a bigger problem than expected.
Wrapping it Up
Keeping deadwood in winter is a risk that isn’t worth taking. Weak branches are a safety hazard, with the combination of ice, snow, and wind only makes things worse. Property damage, pest infestations, and falling debris can all be prevented with proper tree maintenance.