Proper pruning is key to preparing trees for winter storms. It strengthens structure and removes weak branches, helping prevent tree failure under snow, ice, and wind.
Preparing trees for winter storms is essential not only to minimize these risks, but also to prevent death, in- jury, or costly damage to people and property. PROACTIVE MEASURES: HIGH RISK, HIGH REWARD As the old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Taking proactive measures to prepare trees for winter storms offers many benefits to homeowners and profes- sionals alike: •Preventive Care : Assessing trees prior to winter storms and perform- ing proper tree care maintenance throughout the year can help pre- vent limbs or entire trees from fall- ing on people, vehicles, buildings, and other property. •Increased Tree Resilience : Trees that are well-maintained with best management practices like pruning, mulching, watering, and fertiliz- ing are more likely to recover from storms and survive the winter sea- son in good health. •Safer Working Conditions : If trees are properly assessed and main- tained in advance, tree care profes-
Tim Greifenkamp, TreePro program manager at NIP Group , emphasizes the importance of preparation: “Winter brings unique challenges for tree care companies… By being proactive, you not only safeguard your business finan- cially but also position yourself to focus on safe operations and storm recovery with peace of mind during the most de- manding months of the year.” CONDUCTING RISK ASSESSMENTS Before winter arrives, it is critical to
sionals who respond to post-storm events will face fewer risks when working in the field. This thereby re- duces the likelihood of injury during storm recovery. •Protection of People and Property : Be sure to review insurance coverage with an agent or broker before or during the season. By working with a partner that knows the risks of the industry during winter months, you can be sure your policy addresses po- tential working hazards and prevents costly gaps in protection.
Assessing trees prior to winter storms and performing proper tree care maintenance throughout the year can help prevent limbs or entire trees from falling on people, vehicles, buildings, and other property.
10 | ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online