How to Prepare Your Trees for an Ohio Winter and Prevent Storm Damage

Every winter, Ohio homeowners deal with broken limbs, split trunks and fallen trees after snow and ice storms. A single half-inch coating of ice can add hundreds of pounds to a large branch. The good news is that a little preparation in the fall goes a long way. Here's how to get your trees ready for winter in the Akron-Cleveland and Columbus areas.

Prune weak and dead branches now

Pruning is the most effective way to cut down on storm damage. Late fall and winter, while trees are dormant, is a great time for it.

Focus on:

• Dead and dying limbs, which break easily under snow load.
• Branches over the roof, driveway and power lines. Keep them trimmed back so a falling limb doesn't damage your home. (For limbs touching utility lines, call your utility company.)
• Crossing or rubbing branches, which create wounds and weak points.
• Overly dense crowns. Careful thinning lets wind pass through the canopy instead of catching it like a sail.

Avoid "topping" trees, meaning cutting the main leaders back to stubs. Topping causes weak, fast-growing sprouts that break off easily in later storms.

Consider cabling and bracing

Trees with large, heavy limbs or weak V-shaped unions can sometimes be saved with cabling and bracing. Steel cables installed high in the canopy limit how far limbs can move and share the load between stems. It's a good option for a valuable tree that has a structural weakness but is otherwise healthy.

Water deeply before the ground freezes

Fall droughts are common, and a tree going into winter dried out is more likely to suffer root and branch damage. Until the ground freezes, give young and newly planted trees a slow, deep soak once every week or two when there hasn't been rain. Evergreens especially benefit, because they keep losing moisture through their needles all winter.

Mulch the root zone

Spread 2 to 3 inches of shredded wood mulch in a wide ring around the base of the tree. Mulch insulates roots against harsh freeze-thaw swings and holds moisture. Keep it a few inches away from the trunk. "Volcano" mulching piled against the bark invites rot and rodents.

Protect young trees

• Wrap the trunks of thin-barked young trees (like maples and fruit trees) to help prevent sunscald and frost cracks.
• Use hardware cloth or tree guards to keep rabbits and voles from chewing bark.
• Gently tie upright evergreens like arborvitae so heavy snow doesn't split them apart.

Clear snow carefully

After a heavy snowfall, you can gently brush snow off low branches with a broom, sweeping upward. Never shake or hit ice-coated branches. Frozen wood is brittle and the limb may snap. Let ice melt naturally.

Know when a tree is beyond saving

Some trees can't be made safe with pruning. Large dead trees, trees with major trunk decay, or trees leaning toward the house after root damage are better removed before winter than after they fall. If you're unsure, have a professional take a look.

After a storm

If a storm does cause damage, stay clear of hanging limbs ("widowmakers") and downed wires. Take photos for insurance and call a tree service for safe cleanup.

Free virtual estimates from Mike Jones & Sons

Mike Jones & Sons Tree Service helps homeowners in the Akron-Cleveland and Columbus areas with pruning, trimming, removal and storm cleanup. Our estimates are free and virtual. Send us photos and we'll give you a quote without a home visit.

Get your free virtual estimate or call (234) 300-2311.

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• Columbus: Schedule your Columbus firewood delivery