Safe Trees, Safe Winter
Winter in Northwest Ohio is a truly breathtaking and unpredictable time of year. A gentle snowfall can transform Toledo into a picturesque scene, just like from a postcard, but it’s important to remember that there are real dangers too. Heavy, wet snow, freezing rain, and powerful winds can be quite tough on trees, reminding us to stay cautious and be prepared.
Even healthy trees can be affected by the weight of ice. For homeowners and businesses, preparing your trees before winter is more than maintenance… it’s a way to protect your property and ensure peace of mind.
The Hidden Dangers of Winter Weather
When the temperatures drop, branches that usually bend easily may become fragile and more prone to breaking. The added weight of ice or snow can cause even seemingly sturdy limbs to snap, which can be quite alarming.
Additionally, strong winter winds can turn these weakened branches into flying debris or sometimes even bring down entire trees, reminding us to stay cautious during the colder months.
Frozen ground is often overlooked. When soil hardens, roots can’t hold trees in place, especially if weakened or leaning, making them vulnerable to storms. This can cause roofs to crush, block driveways, and lead to preventable accidents.
Why Homeowners Shouldn’t Wait
If you own a home, protecting your biggest investment is crucial. Overhanging branches that seemed harmless in the summer can become destructive when they are iced over. A cracked limb above your garage today could be an insurance claim tomorrow. Signs of tree decay, such as mushrooms, bark splitting, or hollows, increase vulnerability.
Proactive trimming and removal are the safest methods for eliminating risks. Winter is also an ideal time for pruning because leafless trees reveal their structure, allowing arborists to identify which branches to cut. Dormant trees experience less stress from cuts, reducing disease and pest risks. Frozen ground allows equipment access without lawn damage.
Businesses Face More Than Broken Branches
For Toledo businesses, the risks are even more significant. Picture a heavy limb falling in your parking lot, damaging a customer’s vehicle or, worse, causing injury. This situation would not only be a nightmare for your customer but also could lead to expensive liability issues for your business. Winter conditions already pose challenges due to snow and ice. Introducing fallen branches or blocked entrances during this time increases the danger unnecessarily.
If employees or customers can’t safely access your building, you risk downtime and lost revenue. Scheduling tree trimming and removal before winter protects your property and shows care to visitors.
Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
How do you know if a tree is at risk? Sometimes the warnings are obvious: dead branches dangling above your driveway, a tree leaning more than it used to, or cracks running along a trunk. At other times, the signs are subtle, such as fungus growing on roots or bark that’s peeling away.
Take a walk around your property this fall and look up. Notice if branches are hanging over your roof, limbs near power lines or parking areas, or if the soil around a tree’s base is heaving or cracking.
These are warning signs. Don’t ignore anything that seems out of the ordinary. An arborist can assess whether trimming, bracing, or removal is needed before winter weather worsens the situation.
The Benefits of Acting Early
Waiting until winter storms hit to address tree issues often leads to emergencies. Emergency calls tend to be more costly, and you might end up staying in line after a big storm when every tree service in Toledo is busy. By scheduling preventive work in the fall, you avoid the rush, which usually saves you time and money.
More importantly, you’ll have peace of mind. Instead of holding your breath every time the forecast calls for ice or wind, you’ll know your trees have been inspected, trimmed, and made safe. That confidence is worth more than any insurance payout after the fact.
Why Work with a Certified Arborist?
Not all tree companies are the same. Anyone can cut a branch, but not everyone knows how to do it safely and in a way that benefits the tree.
Certified arborists are trained to evaluate tree health, recognize structural weaknesses, and make informed recommendations. They can spot risks that the untrained eye would miss, and they understand how local species respond to pruning at different times of the year.
At Joey Tree Service, our ISA-certified arborist conducts inspections, prioritizing safety and tree health. We understand Northwest Ohio’s trees, from silver maples to ash trees battling the emerald ash borer. Our goal is to eliminate hazards and help trees grow.
Toledo’s Winter Tree Experts
Joey Tree, a locally owned and family-run business, brings nearly 20 years of expertise assisting Toledo homeowners and businesses through all seasons. We recognize the difficulties our winters pose and are equipped with cranes, grapple saw trucks, and experienced crews to manage everything from careful trimming to complete removals.
We also know that emergencies don’t wait for business hours. That’s why we offer 24/7 emergency response, giving you confidence that if a tree does fail in a storm, help is only a phone call away.
Schedule Your Free Estimate
Enjoy the winter season without worrying about falling branches or unexpected damage. With Joey Tree Service, you’ll have healthy, sturdy, and well-maintained trees, ready to withstand whatever Ohio weather brings.
Winter will arrive sooner than you think. Don’t wait until snow and ice reveal the weaknesses in your trees. By trimming or removing hazards now, you’re protecting your home, your business, and everyone who visits your property.
