Midwinter Ice Storm

Posted by Kate Copsey Jan 15, 2007

The Midwest ice storm has caused major damage and many downed tree limbs. Ice, more so than snow, hangs on the branches and weighs them down until they snap. Unfortunately there is little that can be done to prevent this, in part because the events happen rather fast and stocking up the house with essentials comes before dealing with the trees. If you do have enough time, some smaller trees and shrubs can be wrapped with sheets or burlap. The ice adheres to the covering rather than the tree itself, and thu the branches are not covered with ice. Flexible branches can also be carefully tied to the main trunk of the tree. If you do this, bend the branches upwards and support with rope. The angle of the branch will thus not be conducive to collection of ice dragging it down. This is also done with shrubs for protection in the winter from heavy snow falls that can also break branches.

When the storm is over, you can deal with the ice on the trees and then you will have a prime candidate for some late winter pruning.