Action Tree Service

How to Identify Potentially Dangerous Trees Before Winter

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We are locally owned and operated with the region’s largest fleet of Dangerous Tree Removal equipment in Kelowna BC. 

Consider Your Trees Before Winter

As winter approaches in Kelowna, BC, residents prepare for the inevitable onslaught of snow, ice, and high winds. While many focus on clearing gutters and winterizing homes, one crucial aspect often overlooked is the condition of trees on their property. Heavy snowfalls and fierce winds can turn seemingly stable trees into dangerous hazards. For homeowners, it’s essential to assess and identify potentially dangerous trees before winter arrives to prevent damage to property and ensure safety.

At Action Tree Service, we specialize in dangerous tree removals using mobile cranes, making us experts in identifying risks and providing solutions. In this guide, we’ll discuss the types of trees common in Kelowna, how they can become hazardous in winter, and how to spot warning signs before the cold season sets in.

Healthy trees with snow covered branches withstand the winter months

Types of Trees in Kelowna and Their Winter Challenges

Kelowna’s diverse landscape is home to many tree species, including evergreens like Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, and spruce, as well as deciduous trees like maple, aspen, and cottonwood. Each type of tree has its own unique strengths and weaknesses when it comes to withstanding winter storms.

Kelowna ponderosa pine tree

Evergreens (Douglas Fir, Ponderosa Pine, Spruce)

  • Strengths: Evergreens are generally more resistant to heavy snowfalls because they retain their needles, which help disperse snow weight. Their wood is also dense and strong, giving them some resilience against wind.
  • Weaknesses: Despite their advantages, evergreens can still become hazardous during winter, particularly if they have structural issues like dead or broken branches. These trees are also vulnerable to uprooting during strong wind events, especially if their root systems are shallow or weakened.

Deciduous Trees (Maple, Aspen, Cottonwood)

  • Strengths: These trees shed their leaves in the fall, which reduces the surface area exposed to wind and snow. Without heavy foliage, they are less likely to collect snow on their branches.
  • Weaknesses: Deciduous trees, especially those that are older or suffering from disease, can become brittle and prone to branch failure. Cottonwoods, in particular, are notorious for dropping large limbs, even in moderate wind. Their rapid growth often leads to structural weakness, making them a higher risk during winter storms

 

tall oak tree with frosted branches

Common Tree Damage that Can Become Hazardous in Winter

Certain types of tree damage pose a greater threat when winter weather arrives. Recognizing these problems early can help you avoid accidents or property damage. Here are some key issues to look for:

1. Dead or Dying Branches

Dead branches are one of the most common hazards to watch out for. These branches are brittle and can easily snap under the weight of snow or in strong winds. They can fall without warning, causing damage to nearby structures or vehicles, and posing a danger to anyone below.

What to Look For:

  • Branches with no leaves or needles during the growing season
  • Bark that is peeling away or has fallen off
  • Branches that sound hollow when tapped

2. Cracked or Split Trunks

A tree trunk with a visible crack or split is a serious concern. Cracks weaken the structural integrity of the tree and can cause it to fall under pressure. In some cases, a crack might develop slowly, but winter’s heavy snow or ice can exacerbate the problem, leading to a full tree collapse.

What to Look For:

  • Vertical splits or cracks running along the trunk
  • Deep grooves or cavities in the trunk
  • Fungal growth, which may indicate internal decay

3. Leaning Trees

While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a tree that suddenly starts to lean more than usual is a red flag. Leaning trees are often a sign of root instability or trunk damage, making them particularly vulnerable to falling in high winds.

What to Look For:

  • A noticeable increase in the angle of the tree’s lean
  • Exposed roots on the side opposite the lean
  • Cracks or buckling in the soil around the base of the tree

4. Weak or Decayed Roots

The root system is the foundation of a tree, and if it’s compromised, the tree can topple over, especially during a winter storm. Tree roots can decay due to poor soil conditions, pests, or diseases. In some cases, construction or landscaping work can also damage roots, making them weak over time.

What to Look For:

  • Mushrooms or other fungi growing at the base of the tree (a sign of rot)
  • Soil upheaval or exposed roots
  • A history of recent construction or soil compaction near the tree

5. Overgrown or Heavy Limbs

Even healthy trees can become dangerous if they have overly long or heavy branches that stretch too far from the trunk. Snow can easily accumulate on these limbs, weighing them down and increasing the likelihood of breakage.

What to Look For:

  • Branches that extend far beyond the tree’s center
  • Limbs that hang over structures, driveways, or power lines
  • Thick, dense canopies that may trap snow and ice
Action Tree Deep Root Fertilization service Kelowna

Preparing for Winter: When to Call Action Tree Service

If you notice any of the above signs, it’s crucial to act before winter arrives. At Action Tree Service, we specialize in assessing tree risks and removing dangerous trees using mobile cranes. This equipment allows us to safely remove large or hard-to-reach trees without causing damage to nearby structures.

Here’s when you should consider calling a professional:

  • If a tree has large dead limbs or branches that hang over your home, driveway, or power lines.
  • If you see significant cracks in the trunk or signs of root instability.
  • If a tree is leaning dangerously or has experienced recent root damage.

Our team of certified arborists and crane operators can handle any tree removal, even in complex or hazardous situations. By identifying and addressing dangerous trees before winter hits, you can prevent accidents and ensure that your property stays safe throughout the season.

Conclusion

Winter in Kelowna brings its fair share of challenges, but with proper tree care and vigilance, you can avoid many of the hazards associated with winter storms. Regularly inspecting your trees for dead branches, cracks, and other signs of instability is key to keeping your property and loved ones safe. If you have concerns about potentially dangerous trees, contact Action Tree Service for a professional assessment and removal.