Winter weather can wreak havoc on trees, leaving them covered in ice and posing a risk to those nearby. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several tree maintenance steps you can take to address the issue and ensure the safety of your property and the people on it.

How to Care for Ice-Coated Trees

1. Add Water

It may seem counterintuitive, but spraying cold water on ice-covered branches is an effective way to speed up melting while you wait for temperatures to rise. This method will only work if the temperature outside is above freezing. Don’t use hot or boiling water, as this may cause further injury to the tree.

2. Remove Ice by Hand

You can remove ice from branches and trunks by hand if the affected tree can be reached from ground level. Wear a hard hat if you have one or can obtain one, and trim smaller dead or damaged limbs by hand as you work, placing them to one side away from the trunk. Never attempt to de-ice a tree with heavily-laden branches, as these could fall without warning.

3. Contact a Professional

If the ice has built up to the point where it’s too dangerous or difficult to remove it any other way, you may need to contact a tree maintenance specialist. When ice has coated the upper reaches of a tree, the most effective way to remove it is often to clear it away by hand. However, attempting to do so without the proper equipment or training can increase the risk of slipping, falling, or otherwise causing injury or property damage. In these cases, it’s wise to leave the task to a qualified expert.

If you’re in need of dependable winter tree maintenance, turn to the professionals at Bluegrass Tree Service LLC. Serving homeowners and businesses throughout northern Kentucky and Cincinnati, OH, they offer a full range of tree services including pruning, trimming, tree and stump removal, and more. Call (859) 746-0708 to schedule a visit or ask any questions, and find out more about their services on their website.