hazardous trees before winter strikes helps protect property from potential damage during severe weather and makes cleanup easier when it is all over. After a winter storm, it is important to assess trees for broken branch- es, cracks or splits, new or worsened leans, and uprooted or downed trees. Depending on the extent of damage, trees may require restorative pruning, cabling or bracing, or removal. Regular inspections are important to identify hidden or cumulative damage, so con- tinue to monitor trees closely up to one As we face increasingly unpredictable weather patterns and more severe win- ter storms, it is becoming vital to adopt best management practices for tree care. Conducting regular tree risk as- sessments and implementing proactive maintenance strategies can reduce the likelihood of failure and damage from storms, strengthening trees’ resilience to harsh weather conditions and ulti- mately protecting people and property. By learning the lessons of today, we can better protect the trees of tomorrow from the impacts of storms. Winter is coming. Are your trees ready for it? year after a storm event. BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD
Remove dead, dying, or defective branches to reduce likelihood of failure during a winter storm event.
storms. Proper pruning maintains bal- anced canopy weight and structure and increases load-bearing capacity. When done correctly, this technique removes dead, dying, damaged, diseased, or de- fective branches that are more likely to fail under snow, ice, and wind. In special circumstances, it may be nec- essary to remove a tree if it presents a high or extreme residual risk. Removing
•Pruning: Remove dead, dying, or defective branches to reduce failure likelihood. Follow ANSI A300 Tree Care Standards Part 1 standards and avoid excessive live wood removal. •Support Systems: Use cabling, bracing, or staking to reinforce weak structures. Adhere to ANSI A300 Clause 7 standards. •Mulching and Aeration: Protect roots and improve soil health with proper mulching and aeration techniques. •Watering and Fertilizing: Provide essential nutrients and moisture year-round, especially during active root growth in fall. •Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Monitor and manage pests and diseases using selective treatments and ANSI A300 Clause 14 guidelines. •Other Practices: Use tree guards, windbreaks, and storm-resistant species while avoiding practices that can harm trees, such as using chloride-based ice melts. By far, pruning is one of the most ef- fective ways to prepare trees for winter
Ready, Set, Winterize!
Properly winterizing tools and equipment is essential for ensuring arboriculture operations are ready for storm recovery and cleanup. Make sure chainsaws are in good working condition with clean, sharp chains, fresh oil and fuel, and extra replacement parts. Inspect trucks, trailers, and lifts for winter operational efficiency so crews can safely arrive onsite without delay. Even when all is quiet on the storm front, perform regular maintenance on all equipment including oil changes, filter checks, and fueling up machinery so everything is ready to go after a storm hits. When not in operation, it is important to store all equipment in a dry, protected area to prevent rust, corrosion, and damage. “Working in cold weather presents its own unique set of challenges that might not normally occur in warmer conditions,” Wissmuller shared. “While our equipment and components are heavy-duty and weather- proof, it’s vitally important to keep CMC tracked aerial lifts in good working order in all seasons — especially winter — and to operate equipment with safety always top of mind.” Taking these steps in advance will help ensure fleets can respond quickly when severe weather strikes.
14 | ArborTIMES™ Winter 2025
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