- Snow protects a tree’s root system – A blanket of snow insulates trees from drastic temperature changes that could otherwise damage or even destroy them. A stable ground temperature promotes healthier roots. Snow also provides much needed moisture that’s essential for spring leaf out.
- Removing snow from trees – It’s not necessary for light snowfall. For heavier snowfall, carefully brush off by hand or use a broom and remove it with upward strokes. Gently shaking the branches is fine, but know that branches can be brittle during the colder months, so proceed with caution. If possible, clear away snow at various times during the snowstorm to minimize the impact. If there’s ice, don’t attempt to chip it away. Simply leave it alone.
- A few broken limbs are okay – Call this Mother Nature’s way of pruning. If some branches are lost following a snowstorm, clean up the tree with a few pruning cuts of your own.
