The Dangers of Ice-Covered Trees

Ice storms have swept the entire nation this winter, leaving everything, including our trees, coated in ice. When people connect the words “ice” and “dangerous,” they think of slippery roads and sidewalks that cause accidents and falls. However, ice is dangerous for another reason: it’s weight.

Ice-coated trees can gain a surprising amount of weight, which can cause branches to snap or even whole trees to fall. This can be a danger to you and your property for many reasons!

Has an ice storm toppled trees onto your home? Contact our tree removal team in the Twin Cities area at (763) 568-3007. If you’re closer to the Brainerd Lakes area, call (800) 630-2960. Either way, you can send a contact form straight to our email.

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Identifying Dangerous Trees

Identifying potential hazards can inform you about when you need to take action to avoid dangerous situations with ice-covered trees.

1. Power Lines

If any of your trees have branches above power lines or are growing very close to them, power outages could occur in your house and your entire neighborhood if the tree becomes covered with ice. Fallen power lines can also be dangerous to you and your family if the tree or a broken branch knocks them to the ground.

2. Broken Branches

Broken branches themselves can be dangerous. Oftentimes, branches will break part-way under the stress of ice and perilously hang, at risk of falling at any moment. It’s essential to identify broken branches to ensure you can avoid walking under them.

3. Driveways & Roadways

Trees near driveways and roadways can fall on pedestrians and vehicles or block driving lanes. This can put you and your neighbors at risk or leave you on the hook for expensive vehicle repairs if a tree or heavy branch falls on a vehicle.

What to Do and What Not to Do

DO: Assess Potential Danger

The first thing you should do after an ice storm is over is do a visual inspection of all your trees to identify broken branches, bent trunks, and potential hazards beneath.

DO: Carefully Prune Small Trees & Shrubs

Small trees and shrubs pose little danger to you. You can carefully prune off broken branches or even some healthy ones to trim weight and avoid more damage to the plant.

DO NOT: “Shake Out” Ice

Do not shake any branches to try to lessen the ice load on the tree. This can damage the tree and put you in danger of a branch breaking and falling on you.

DO NOT: Try to Melt Ice

Everyday ice melt products designed for sidewalks and roads are unsafe for most plants and should not be used to melt ice on trees.

Contact Wilderness Land Clearing Today

If you have a dangerous tree or need help assessing the risks after an ice storm, call the experts! Wilderness Land Clearing is based in frigid central Minnesota, and we have many years of experience dealing with winter tree hazards. When not in our home state, we travel the country to help with tree cleanup after ice storms, tornadoes, and hurricanes. Contact us today for a free quote!

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