Ohio winters bring plenty of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures — and while your trees may look beautiful covered in white, that weight can quietly cause severe damage. Heavy snow is one of the biggest winter threats to tree health, leading to cracked branches, split trunks, leaning trees, and long-term decline.
The good news? Most of these issues are preventable when homeowners understand how snow impacts their trees and what steps to take both during and after a storm. In this guide, we’ll break down the effects of heavy snow, how to spot damage early, and what you can do to keep your trees safe all winter long.
How Heavy Snow Impacts Trees in Winter
Added Weight That Strains Branches
Not all snow is the same. Heavy, wet snow can weigh over 20 pounds per cubic foot, placing enormous pressure on branches — especially those already weakened by age, disease, or poor structure. Meanwhile, light, powdery snow tends to blow off or accumulate less intensely.
Trees with wide canopies, dense branching, or lots of foliage hold even more snow and face greater risk of bending or breaking.
Increased Risk of Cracking and Breaking
Branches weaken long before they fall. Heavy snow pushes limbs downward, creating stress points where cracks begin forming. Once a freeze–thaw cycle repeats a few times, those cracks deepen, and a single gust of wind can snap limbs clean off.
Dead or brittle branches are almost guaranteed to fail under weight.
Snow and Ice Can Split Tree Trunks
Ice accumulation is even more dangerous than snow. As water freezes around the trunk, it expands and contracts, causing vertical bark splits, also called frost cracks. These openings expose the tree to decay, insects, and long-term structural damage.
Root Stress From Frozen Soil
When soil freezes, trees can’t absorb the water they need. Combine that with the physical burden of holding heavy snow, and trees — especially evergreens — become stressed and vulnerable.
Trees Most Vulnerable to Heavy Snow
Young and Newly Planted Trees
Their trunks are thinner, and their root systems are still developing. Heavy snow can bend or break them easily.
Evergreens and Conifers
Trees like pine, arborvitae, and spruce hold snow year-round because they retain needles, making them especially prone to winter damage.
Trees With Weak Branch Structures
Branches forming narrow “V” angles or tightly packed canopies trap snow in large amounts.
Older Trees or Trees With Decay
Rotting limbs, hollow trunks, or fungal issues significantly increase the risk of failure under snow load.
Warning Signs That Your Trees Are in Trouble
Walk your property after a snowstorm and look for:
- Branches bending or sagging more than usual
- Vertical cracks or splits in the bark
- Broken branches lodged in the canopy (dangerous “hangers”)
- A sudden lean in the trunk
- Peeling bark or sap oozing, especially after extreme cold
If you spot more than one of these signs, the tree may be at risk of failing and should be checked by a professional.
What Homeowners Should Do When Heavy Snow Hits
Remove Light, Fresh Snow Gently
Use a soft broom to lift snow up and off branches. Pulling downward can actually cause the branch to snap.
Never Shake Branches Covered in Ice
Shaking can cause brittle, frozen limbs to break immediately. Ice should melt naturally — even professionals avoid knocking ice off by force.
Clear Around the Base of Trees
Remove snow and ice buildup around the root zone when possible. It reduces frost stress and helps with drainage during thaws.
Keep Surrounding Areas Safe
Driveways and walkways near trees can become hazardous when snow-laden branches hang overhead.
This is where Petrarca Landcare’s Snow & Ice Removal services support tree safety — proper clearing reduces excess weight, prevents salt runoff into soil, and keeps your property safely navigable during storms.
Long-Term Ways to Protect Trees From Heavy Snow Damage
Structural Pruning in Fall or Winter
Removing weak, crossing, or overloaded branches reduces the amount of snow your tree holds. Dormant-season pruning is ideal because:
- Trees are less stressed
- Branch structure is easier to see
- Disease spread risk is lower
Cabling and Bracing
For trees with weak branch unions or heavy horizontal limbs, professional arborists may recommend cabling. This adds support and prevents splitting during winter storms.
Mulching to Protect Roots
A 2–3 inch layer of mulch insulates roots from freeze damage and reduces moisture loss.
Planting the Right Trees in the Right Places
Some species naturally withstand heavy snow better than others. An arborist can help you select and position trees to minimize winter stress.
When to Call a Professional Arborist
Snow-related tree damage isn’t always obvious or safe to handle alone. Call a professional if you notice:
Large Broken Branches or Hanging Limbs
These can fall without warning and should only be removed by trained experts.
Visible Trunk Splits or Deep Cracks
These are structural failures that often require intervention or removal.
Trees Leaning After a Storm
A sudden lean indicates root failure — an emergency situation.
Hazards Near Homes, Driveways, or Power Lines
Never attempt DIY pruning around utilities or structures.
Petrarca Landcare’s ISA Certified Arborists have the training to assess structural integrity, remove hazards safely, and help trees recover after heavy snow.
How Petrarca Landcare Helps Protect Your Trees
Winter Tree Inspections
Certified arborists can spot risks before they escalate — cracks, weak unions, overloaded limbs, and signs of decay.
Preventive Pruning & Structural Care
Proper pruning before or during winter reduces snow load and keeps trees healthier long-term.
Emergency Storm-Damage Response
If heavy snow breaks branches or destabilizes a tree, Petrarca Landcare provides safe, professional cleanup and removal.
Local Expertise You Can Trust
With years of serving the Massillon, Akron, and Canton areas, Petrarca understands Ohio winters — and how to keep your property safe through them.
Keep Your Trees Safe Before the Next Snowfall
Heavy snow is one of the most damaging forces your trees will face this winter. From cracked limbs to split trunks and leaning trees, the risks are real — but preventable.
Regular inspections, gentle snow removal, and professional pruning go a long way toward protecting your landscape and avoiding costly emergency work later.
Don’t wait for the next storm to find out your trees aren’t ready.
Schedule a winter tree inspection with Petrarca Landcare today and keep your property safe, healthy, and protected all season long.
