How Snow Load Affects Tree Limbs:
Trevor Soltys & Paul Kasper
🌳 What Winnipeg Homeowners Should Do
Winnipeg winters bring heavy snowfalls that can quietly wreak havoc on your trees. Snow load — the weight of accumulated snow and ice — can bend, crack, or even break limbs, especially on older or structurally weak trees.
What Is Snow Load?
Snow load refers to the pressure exerted by snow and ice buildup on tree branches. Wet, heavy snow is especially dangerous, and when combined with freezing rain or wind, it can lead to serious damage.
Signs of Snow Load Stress:
- 🌨️ Limbs bending unnaturally or sagging
- 🪵 Cracked or split branches
- 🌲 Sudden limb drop after thaw
- 🧊 Ice accumulation on branch unions
What You Can Do:
- ✅ Gently remove light snow with a broom
Always sweep upward — never shake or knock branches. - 🚫 Avoid removing ice manually
Let it melt naturally to prevent breakage. - 🧤 Inspect trees after storms
Look for cracks, splits, or hanging limbs. - 📞 Get a winter risk assessment from an arborist.
They’ll identify weak points and recommend pruning or cabling if needed.
Conclusion:
Snow load damage can be subtle — until it’s not. A proactive inspection can prevent costly breakage and keep your trees safe through the season. Contact TreeSolve today to schedule your winter tree check.
Intro Extreme cold snaps can cause hidden stress in trees. Some damage appears immediately — other signs show up weeks later. Signs of Cold Damage ❄️ Bark splitting (frost cracks) 🧊 Discolored or brittle twigs 🌿 Buds that fail to swell in spring 🪵 Dieback on branch tips What Homeowners Should Do Inspect trunks for vertical cracks Look for branches that snap easily Check evergreen needles for browning Schedule a post‑cold‑snap assessment Conclusion Cold damage can weaken trees long before symptoms appear. TreeSolve can identify risks early and recommend corrective pruning or support.
Intro Even in deep winter, some pests remain active — hiding in bark, soil, or under snow. These overwintering insects can cause serious damage once temperatures rise. Knowing what to look for now helps protect your trees before spring arrives. Common Winter Pests in Winnipeg 🐛 Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Larvae overwinter beneath bark, feeding on inner tissues and weakening ash trees. 🐜 Aphid Eggs Many aphid species lay eggs on twigs that hatch early in spring. 🐞 Spider Mites Some species remain active during warm winter days, feeding on needles. 🐛 Tent Caterpillar Egg Masses Visible as shiny, dark bands wrapped around twigs. How to Protect Your Trees Inspect bark for holes, sawdust, or unusual patterns Look for egg masses on twigs Schedule a winter inspection to catch early signs Prune infested branches during dormancy Conclusion Winter is the perfect time to get ahead of pest problems. TreeSolve can identify overwintering pests and recommend safe, effective treatments before spring.
🌳 Intro: As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to set goals for your home and landscape — and your trees deserve a spot on that list. Whether you’re a seasoned homeowner or just settling into a new property, these resolutions will help keep your yard safe, healthy, and beautiful all year long. Top Tree Care Resolutions: • ✅ Schedule a winter tree inspection With leaves gone and branches exposed, winter is ideal for spotting hidden risks like cracks, decay, or weak limbs. • ✂️ Plan seasonal pruning and maintenance Dormant pruning now, shaping in spring, and cleanup in fall — each season plays a role in tree health. • 🌱 Plant native species in 2026 Native trees are better adapted to Winnipeg’s climate, require less maintenance, and support local ecosystems. • 🍂 Improve mulching and watering habits Mulch insulates roots and conserves moisture. Proper watering — even in dry winters — helps trees stay resilient. • 🧤 Hire certified arborists for major work Avoid DIY damage and ensure long-term tree health with expert help from TreeSolve. Conclusion: Healthy trees don’t happen by accident — they’re the result of smart, consistent care. Make 2026 the year your yard thrives. TreeSolve is here to help with inspections, pruning, planting advice, and more.
🌳 Why Winter Is a Smart Time for Winnipeg Homeowners Winter may seem like a quiet time for tree care, but it’s actually the best season to assess tree health and safety. With leaves gone and branches exposed, arborists can spot structural issues that are hidden during warmer months. Why Winter Works Best: 🪵 Better visibility of branch structure Without foliage, cracks, decay, and weak limbs are easier to detect. ❄️ Reduced risk of disease transmission Dormant trees are less vulnerable to infections during pruning or inspection. 🧤 Safer working conditions for arborists Frozen ground and bare trees allow for easier access and safer climbing. 💸 Off-season availability and pricing Winter assessments often come with more flexible scheduling and potential cost savings. What We Look For: Cracks, cavities, and decay in trunks or limbs Signs of pest damage or fungal growth Weak branch unions and poor structure Risk to nearby structures or walkways Conclusion: A winter tree risk assessment is a proactive step toward protecting your property and ensuring healthy growth in spring. TreeSolve’s certified arborists are ready to help — book your inspection before the snow gets deeper.
