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With winter storms on the horizon for the greater Seattle area, it’s essential to take proactive steps to protect your trees and landscape from potential damage. Heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional snowfall can put significant stress on trees, making proper maintenance crucial for preventing costly damage and ensuring long-term tree health.

The Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) offers a variety of public service announcements (PSAs) that tree care companies can use on their websites, newsletters, and social media to spread awareness about seasonal tree maintenance. TCIA members can access these resources HERE.

How to Prevent Winter Storm Damage to Trees

Winter storms in the Seattle area bring unique challenges, from waterlogged soils to high winds and occasional ice accumulation. Here are some key steps to protect your trees:

1. Strengthen Trees Before the Storms Arrive
“Heavy rain and strong winds can cause branches to break and trees to uproot,” explains Tchukki Andersen, BCMA, CTSP, and staff arborist with TCIA. Proper pruning encourages strong branch formation and reduces the risk of breakage. In cases where pruning alone isn’t enough, supplemental support systems such as cables and braces can help stabilize weaker trees, particularly in urban and suburban areas prone to high winds.

2. Protect Trees from Excess Moisture and Root Damage
With Seattle’s frequent winter rainfall, soil can become overly saturated, weakening root systems and making trees more vulnerable to toppling. To prevent this, ensure proper drainage around trees, reduce soil compaction, and apply mulch to insulate the root zone.

Why Winter is the Best Time to Prune

Many professional arborists recommend pruning trees during the winter months when they are dormant. Andersen explains, “With no leaves on the tree, it’s easier to assess its structure and identify dead or diseased branches. Plus, since the ground is often firmer due to colder temperatures, there’s less risk of damaging turf during tree care operations.” Winter pruning also allows for early detection of disease and structural issues before spring growth begins.

Additional Tips for Preparing Trees for Winter Storms

  • Monitor tree stability: Trees that have signs of decay, cracks, or weak branch attachments should be inspected by a professional arborist before storms arrive.
  • Choose storm-resistant species: When planting new trees, opt for species known for their resilience to wind and wet soil conditions.
  • Secure loose branches and remove hazards: Address any dead or weak limbs that could become airborne in high winds.
  • Have an emergency tree care plan: If a storm causes significant tree damage, know who to call for professional assistance to safely handle downed trees and hazardous branches.
  • Avoid parking under trees: Snow and ice accumulation can add excessive weight to branches, increasing the risk of breakage. Park vehicles in open areas to prevent damage from falling limbs.

Taking proactive steps now can help prevent severe damage and costly repairs after a winter storm. For more information on storm preparation and winter tree care, visit TCIA’s official resource page.


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