Snow-covered trees look magical, until you notice branches bent into sharp angles, shiny silvery bark, or a trunk split that wasn’t there last week. Winter damage often starts small, then turns into long-term weakness if it’s ignored.

Snow load vs. ice load: why ice is the bigger threat
Heavy snow can bend branches, but ice is denser and heavier, and it can lock limbs into place. If branches don’t rebound after thawing, they may be at higher risk of snapping later, leaving trees with poor structure for years. If you see a limb arched hard toward the ground, treat it as a warning sign.

Cracks, vertical splits, and oozing sap: what it can mean
Rapid temperature swings can cause vertical bark splits known as frost cracks. These openings aren’t always fatal, but they can become repeat problem areas and create entry points for disease. Learn more from Montana State University If you notice fresh splits, peeling bark, or sap oozing, it’s worth getting an expert opinion on the tree’s stability and next steps.

Avoid using salt near trees
De-icers can damage plants through root uptake and runoff, and symptoms can show up later as browning, dieback, and stress, especially near driveways and walkways. If traction is needed, use careful, minimal applications and keep salt-laden snow out of planting beds.

Don’t forget what’s happening under the snow: voles and mice
When snow blankets the ground, rodents can chew bark at the base of young trees, sometimes girdling the trunk before anyone sees it. Trunk guards (properly installed) and good habitat management can help prevent damage. Learn more here: University of Minnesota Extension

Keep your landscape healthy, even while it is sleeping under snow.
📞 Schedule a winter landscape review: (208) 788-1780 (Whitehead’s website currently lists 208-578-2246 as the main line.) whiteheadlandscaping.com