Signs of Winter Tree Damage in Davenport

Winter is tough on trees here in Davenport. Watch for these signs of winter tree damage, and take action quickly to save your trees and protect your property.
Davenport’s winters can be brutal on trees. With average snowfalls of 30+ inches annually and ice storms that can coat branches in up to an inch of ice, winter storm damage, even in the strongest, healthiest trees, isn’t uncommon.
But when your trees do suffer damage, removal might not be the only option. Many times, pruning or other tree preservation services can help a tree bounce back. Here are the signs your trees have suffered damage this winter, and what you can do to help them recover.
Key Takeaways
- Broken or hanging branches, often called “widow makers,” are a common hazard after winter storms and should be professionally pruned to restore safety.
- Split or cracked limbs might not be obvious from the ground but can signal structural problems that make your tree vulnerable to future storms.
- Crown damage caused by heavy snow or ice often leads to long-term instability and should be addressed quickly to protect the tree’s health.
- Signs of root exposure or soil heaving after a storm indicate potential stability issues and may require immediate removal to avoid tree failure.
- Winter storm damage rarely fixes itself – having your tree inspected and cared for as soon as possible can often save it and prevent costly problems down the road.
1. Broken or Hanging Branches
The most obvious sign your tree needs attention after a winter storm is broken or hanging branches in the canopy. While they might look stable enough to ignore, these branches can unexpectedly fall even on calm days, putting your family, home, and vehicles at risk.
These dangerous branches, often called “widow makers” by arborists, typically result from:
- Heavy ice buildup that can add hundreds of pounds of extra weight
- Heavy snow accumulation that exceeds the branch’s weight capacity
- Strong wind gusts that twist and snap large limbs
- Lightning strikes that can split branches lengthwise
Small twigs and branches under 2 inches in diameter might not require immediate attention, but larger branches can weigh hundreds of pounds and cause serious damage if they fall. And while that branch might look secure from the ground, the next storm could send it crashing through your roof or onto your car.
Have a professional prune these broken or hanging branches right away to help restore safety on your property. They’ll also be able to prune any broken branch stubs that could lead to pest infestations or fungal infections.
2. Split or Cracked Limbs
Sometimes winter storm damage isn’t as obvious as broken branches. Split or cracked limbs can be harder to spot from the ground, but they can be just as dangerous. You’ll often notice split or cracked limbs where there are:
- V-shaped branch unions that create natural weak points
- Previous storm damage that weakened the branch structure
- Old or improper pruning cuts that didn’t heal correctly
- Multiple stems competing for dominance
- Large branches with poor attachment to the trunk
Having an arborist inspect your trees on a regular basis can help to catch these issues before they become major problems. But after a winter storm, it’s especially important to have your trees checked for new splits and cracks.
3. Crown Damage
Crown damage is common after winter storms, even among healthy trees. While summer storms mainly affect individual branches, winter ice and snow can affect entire sections of the crown at once. At best, it temporarily affects the appearance of your tree. But it also can create serious structural problems that get worse with each additional snow or ice event.
Keep your eyes peeled for:
- Twisted or bent main branches
- Asymmetrical growth after losing major limbs
- Multiple broken branch tips throughout the canopy
- Torn or stripped bark on upper branches
- Exposed heartwood where branches were ripped away
4. Multiple Small Branch Failures
While one or two broken small branches might not seem like a big deal, multiple branch failures across your tree during winter tell a different story. Finding lots of small branches scattered across your snow-covered yard often signals deeper problems that need attention.
Winter branch failures might be caused by:
- Internal decay that isn’t visible from the ground
- Poor pruning practices in the past that create weak new growth
- Pest problems weakening the wood
- Overcrowded branches competing for space
- Disease affecting the tree’s overall health
- Winter burn on evergreens leading to brittle, easily broken branches
An arborist can thin out overcrowded areas and remove weakened branches before they become winter hazards, giving you cleaner, more beautiful trees to enjoy once spring arrives.
5. Root Exposure or Soil Heaving
A storm that’s strong enough to toss around your tree’s branches can also affect what’s happening underground. When you notice raised or cracked soil around your tree’s base after a storm or when the snow finally melts, you’re looking at signs that your tree’s stability might be compromised.
Movement in the root zone is definitely not something to ignore. Even if your tree looks fine above ground, root damage can make it unstable and more likely to fall in future storms. This is especially true for trees that are:
- Growing in wet or poorly draining soil
- Suffering from root rot
- Located on slopes or uneven ground
- Recently affected by construction work
- Showing signs of root rot or decay
- Growing in confined spaces like near sidewalks
In these cases, it may be possible to save the tree, but quick action is needed. Pruning may be one aspect of care, but addressing the “root” issue here, which has to do with the soil and the roots, might be more important.
In some cases, damaged roots might mean tree removal is the safest option. Call an arborist right away if you notice heaving or newly exposed roots after a storm.
How to Handle Winter Tree Damage in Davenport
Winter storm damage that goes unaddressed rarely fixes itself. In fact, seemingly minor damage often leads to much bigger problems as the seasons go on.
Damaged branches could fall the next time a storm rolls through town. Tree wounds can become a hot spot for pests and diseases once spring and summer come around. And an otherwise healthy tree could turn into a hazard, or fail completely, without the proper care following winter storm damage.
If you notice any damage to your trees, there may be a few different ways to handle the situation:
- Professional Pruning: Remove damaged and hazardous limbs while creating clean cuts that allow proper healing. Essential for preventing further damage and disease.
- Cabling and Bracing: Provide additional structural support for split trunks or weakened branch unions that have been compromised by ice and snow weight.
- Deep Root Fertilization and Soil Amendments: Once the snow and ice are gone, soil care can help stressed trees recover from storm damage by delivering nutrients directly to damaged root systems.
- Tree Removal: Sometimes removal is necessary when damage is too severe, such as with major trunk splits or the loss of major branches.
- Emergency Response: It’s not uncommon for trees to land on homes or vehicles during a storm. When disaster strikes, call your local 24/7 emergency tree service right away.
The key is acting quickly when you notice winter storm damage. Having ISA-Certified Arborists inspect your trees is the best step you can take to save your trees and to minimize the risk of damage to your property.
FAQs About Winter Storm Tree Damage
How soon after a winter storm should I have my trees inspected?
Don’t wait to have winter storm damaged trees inspected. The sooner you identify and address problems, the better chance you have of saving your tree and preventing additional damage. Even if damage looks minor, having an arborist check your trees within a few days of a major winter storm is always a good idea. Professional tree services like our team at Arbor Masters are available year-round.
Should I try to knock heavy snow off my tree branches?
While it might seem helpful, attempting to knock snow off branches can cause more harm than good. The branches may be brittle from cold, and the force of removing snow could cause them to snap. If you must remove snow, use a broom to gently sweep upward from underneath smaller branches.
Can my trees recover from severe winter storm damage?
Many times, yes. But it depends on many factors. The best way to know for sure is to have a Certified Arborist inspect your tree. They can assess the full extent of the damage and recommend the best course of action.
How can I prevent winter storm damage to my trees?
The best way to prevent winter storm damage is through proper preparation before winter arrives. Professional pruning in fall removes weak branches, balances the crown, and reduces snow and ice collection before storms hit. Proper tree care, from watering to mulching, and investing in the quality of your soil, can go a long way, too.
Let Arbor Masters Help Protect Your Trees Before the Next Winter Storm
Winter storm damage doesn’t have to mean the end of your beautiful, mature trees. With prompt attention and professional help, many trees can recover and continue providing shade, beauty, and value to your property for years to come.
Don’t wait until the next storm causes more damage to your trees. The Certified Arborists at Arbor Masters are ready to inspect your trees and create a customized care plan to keep them healthy and strong. Call us today at 563-355-7508 or use our online form to request a free quote today.