Snow and Ice Damage to Trees and Shrubs in Bloomfield Landscapes

Winter in Bloomfield, Michigan is beautiful - a season glistening with snow and landscapes transformed into frosted artistry. But beneath that serene beauty, heavy snow and ice can be tough on our trees and shrubs. The weight of wet snow and ice accumulation can stress branches, cause trees to fall and lead to branch breakage that affects both plant health and property safety.

This guide will help Bloomfield homeowners understand why winter damage happens, what to look for, and how to prevent and respond to snow and ice injury in your landscape.

Why Snow & Ice Damage Happens

1. Weight of Accumulation: Wet, heavy snow and ice add significant weight to branches.

Trees with broad, horizontal branching (e.g., Maples, Locust, Birch, etc.) catch more snow. Ice storms can coat branch surfaces in an inch or more of ice - vastly increasing load.

2. Structural Weaknesses: Trees with included bark, narrow branch unions, previous damage, or poor pruning are more likely to fail. Split or congested branching cannot flex as easily under the additional weight of ice or snow.

3. Shrub Vulnerability: Low shrubs (e.g., hydrangeas, forsythias) and low hanging ornamental tree branches can be bent or broken under snow or drifting snow banks. We often see this happen when snow plows push large piles of snow against shrubs and tree branches. Evergreen shrubs tend to hold snow longer, increasing stress on branches.

Common Types of Winter Damage

Here are the most frequently seen types of snow and ice damage I see in Bloomfield landscapes: 

• Broken or cracked branches
• Sudden breaks due to snow or ice weight
• Splits in major limbs can expose interior wood to disease
• Bent or Leaning Trees/Shrubs - some branches may bend but not return to normal
• Crown Damage 
• Central leader or upper canopy breakage
• Damage that results in poor future structure and increased stress
• Root Heaving – shallow-rooted plants partially uprooted from additional weight

Inspecting for Snow or Ice Damage

After a snow or ice event, take a slow walk around your property. Use this checklist as a guide for what to look for:

• Broken limbs hanging in trees
• Limbs on the ground near the dripline
• Cracks in limb wood or tree trunks
• Leaning trees or shrubs
• Split branch or trunk unions
• Bent shrubs not springing back
• Damaged bark from snow plowing
• Exposed or lifted roots on trees

If you spot hanging limbs, consider marking the area with ribbon or tape.

Immediate Actions After Snow/Ice Events

1. Safety First: Don’t walk under ice or snow laden branches. Avoid shaking limbs aggressively (this can cause more breakage or put you at risk). If large limbs are down, keep people and pets clear until clean-up.

2. Gentle Snow Removal: Use a broom or pole to gently brush snow off branches from the trunk outward.

3. NEVER Try to Remove Ice: Ice is solidly adhered to branches and attempts to force it off may cause branch damage. Let ice melt naturally.

4. Assess Shrub Shape: Gently lift bent shrubs upright after snow melts. Consider staking if they remain misshapen.

Pruning and Repair: What to Do and When

Best Timing: Pruning can be done as soon as it’s safe to access the area. For ice damage, wait until the ice has melted, when possible.

Branch Removal Basics: Remove broken or cracked limbs back to a strong lateral branch or the trunk. Avoid leaving stubs; proper cuts encourage faster healing.

When to Call a Professional Arborist

Some situations require professional help:

• Large branches (especially over driveways, houses, garages)
• Deep cracks or splits
• Multiple broken limbs
• Leaning trees that may fall

An ISA Certified Arborist can assess the structural integrity of a damaged tree and recommend corrective tree pruning, bracing or tree removal.

Prevention: Preparing Trees & Shrubs for Winter

Good pre-winter practices can reduce the potential for ice or snow damage to your landscape plants. Here’s how Bloomfield homeowners can strengthen plants before winter weather arrives:

1. Prune trees to establish a strong structure. Remove weak or crossing branches.

Open dense canopies so there are less branches to collect snow or ice.

2. Choose hardy plants. Some species handle snow and ice better than others. Trees that experience less snow and ice damage include oaks, spruce and locust trees. Boxwood, yew and juniper are good evergreen shrubs. All deciduous shrubs generally are less likely to have snow or ice damage.

3. Avoid tree topping. Topping creates weak regrowth that snaps more easily under snow or ice loads.

4. Mulch appropriately. A 2 - 4 inch layer around trees and shrubs protects roots from temperature swings but won’t inhibit roots from growing beyond the mulch area. Avoid mulch mounded against tree trunks.

5. Install supports or burlap wrapping for vulnerable shrubs. Temporary staking or support frames for young or ornamental shrubs helps them hold up under heavy snow weight. Burlap wrapping can prevent excess accumulation of ice or snow.

Specific Considerations for Bloomfield Properties

Bloomfield’s mix of older shade trees blended with newer landscape beds and large yards can create a variety of microclimates. Mature trees are assets to the landscape and property, but maintenance pruning is often overlooked.

Evergreen shrubs near driveways or walkways can be impacted by wind-drifted snow, deicing salts and snow plow damage.

The ISA Certified Arborists at Owen Tree Service can provide advice tailored to your landscape and recommend proper pruning practices to protect your trees and shrubs from snow and ice damage.

Post-Winter Tree Care Tips

After winter fades take time to inspect your trees and shrubs for damage that may not have been obvious. Sometimes winter damage isn’t discovered until you notice that a tree or shrub is not leafing out normally.

Insect or disease control treatments may be needed for plants weakened or damaged during the winter. Deep-root fertilization may be necessary to help damaged plants recover.

Final Thoughts

Snow and ice can transform your landscape into a winter wonderland - but they can also stress and damage trees and shrubs. By understanding why damage happens, recognizing warning signs, and taking proactive care, Bloomfield residents can protect the long-term health and beauty of their trees and shrubs.

When in doubt, consult an ISA Certified Arborist – your safety and the continued health of your landscape plants are worth it.