How to Prepare Trees for Heavy Snowfall Before Winter Hits

August 7, 2025

Don’t Wait for a Fall

As Midwest winters approach, homeowners face the annual challenge of protecting their property from extreme weather. While much attention is paid to snow removal and roof maintenance, trees often go overlooked until a limb crashes down or an entire tree topples under the weight of snow and ice. Proper tree preparation is essential not only for the health of your landscape but also for the safety of your home and family.


At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe proactive care is the best strategy for protecting your trees and avoiding costly damage during the winter months. Here is what you need to know.

Stop sign at a wet intersection on a snowy day, houses and parked vehicles in the background.

The Dangers of Winter Weather for Trees

Heavy snowfall, ice storms, and high winds put significant stress on trees. Ice accumulation can add hundreds of pounds of extra weight to limbs. Snow-laden branches may sag or snap, and frozen ground can make root systems unstable, especially in weakened or shallow-rooted trees.



These conditions increase the risk of falling limbs, downed trees, and property damage. Trees in poor health or with structural vulnerabilities are especially at risk. That is why preparing now, before the first frost sets in, is crucial.

Snow-covered landscape with a white house in the background and evergreen trees in the foreground. A mailbox is to the right.

Step One: Inspect for Structural Weakness

A certified arborist can assess the structural integrity of your trees and identify potential problem areas. Things to watch for include:

  • Cracked limbs or visible splits in the trunk
  • Leaning trees or exposed roots
  • Dead or decaying branches
  • Heavy limb overhangs near your home, driveway, or power lines

If any of these issues are present, addressing them before winter reduces the likelihood of serious damage when the weather turns severe.

Snowy, two-story house with a green facade, red front door, and snow-covered porch. White snow falls on the lawn and brick pillars.

Step Two: Prune for Strength and Balance

Strategic pruning lightens the canopy and reduces the chances of limb breakage. By removing dead, diseased, or poorly attached branches, arborists improve both the tree’s appearance and its stability. Pruning also helps improve air circulation and ensures that snow does not accumulate unevenly on dense or tangled limbs.



Avoid the temptation to over-prune or take on the job yourself. Improper cuts can create wounds that invite pests and disease or weaken the tree further. Professional pruning ensures that the tree remains balanced and healthy heading into winter.

A snowy scene with a wooden bird feeder covered in snow and icicles, a house in the background, and ice-covered lines in the foreground.

Step Three: Cable or Brace High-Risk Limbs

Some trees have branches or trunks that are too valuable or prominent to remove but still pose a risk. In these cases, arborists may recommend cabling or bracing, techniques that provide structural support to vulnerable limbs or multi-trunked trees. These systems distribute the weight of snow and reduce the strain on weak points, allowing the tree to withstand winter conditions without failing.


Step Four: Mulch and Water Before the Ground Freezes

While it might seem counterintuitive, trees still need moisture going into winter. Dry roots are more susceptible to cold injury, especially in young or recently transplanted trees. Deep watering before the ground freezes can help.



A layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps insulate the roots and retain soil moisture. Just be careful to keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to avoid rot and pest issues.

Snowy backyard scene with houses and trees. Two people make snow angels in the fresh snow.

Step Five: Remove Trees That Cannot Be Saved

In some cases, the safest option is full removal. Trees that are dead, severely damaged, or leaning dangerously should be professionally removed before they come down during a storm. Midwest Tree Surgeons offers safe, efficient removals with minimal disruption to your property.


Removing high-risk trees before winter can prevent serious damage to homes, vehicles, and nearby trees. It can also make room for new plantings when spring arrives.

A teal cabin in a snowy landscape. Snow falls on the cabin, trees, and picnic table.

Schedule a Winter Readiness Assessment Today

Do not wait until the first snow to think about your trees. A proactive winter preparation plan can save you money, protect your property, and help your trees thrive in the seasons to come. The arborists at Midwest Tree Surgeons are here to help with expert guidance, precision care, and the experience needed to keep your trees safe and strong.


Contact us today to schedule your seasonal tree assessment before winter weather sets in.

Two silhouetted figures, a person with long hair and another with a hoodie, stand in front of a window overlooking a snowy landscape with trees.
Snowy deck next to a house with light yellow siding, white window, and a gray roof. Tall pine trees in the background.
Snow-covered wooden house with red trim and roof. The gray house sits in a snowy landscape, surrounded by trees, with a white door.
Snow falling on brick apartment building, cars parked on street, and two people on the roof.
A snow-covered yard with a wooden swing set. Snowflakes fall on the ground, a house, and trees.
Snow-covered house nestled in a snowy forest, framed by bare winter tree branches.
Snow-covered house with a wooden porch and red accents in a winter setting. Trees and bushes are also covered in snow.

How Tree Roots Can Affect Your Foundation and Plumbing

August 1, 2025
Protecting Your Property from Underground Damage Trees offer countless benefits: shade, privacy, curb appeal, and cleaner air. But when their roots grow unchecked, they can also become a costly threat to your property. For homeowners in the Midwest, root systems from mature or poorly placed trees can lead to serious damage below ground. Foundations can crack. Pipes can rupture. And what starts as a small root intrusion can quickly grow into a major headache. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we understand both the value of mature trees and the importance of protecting your home. Here is what you need to know about invasive roots and how to address them before they cause long-term damage.

How Invasive Plant Species Threaten Native Midwest Forests

July 23, 2025
Protecting the Midwest Landscape The trees that define the Midwest landscape (oaks, maples, elms, and more) are essential to the health of local ecosystems . They provide shade, support wildlife, and help maintain soil and air quality. But these natural systems are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species that crowd out native growth and disrupt the balance of the environment. Unlike native species, invasive plants are introduced from outside ecosystems and tend to grow rapidly, reproduce aggressively, and outcompete native plants for resources. Without natural predators or environmental checks, these plants spread quickly and can overtake entire landscapes if left unmanaged. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help property owners and land managers identify and remove these harmful species before they do lasting damage. Understanding the problem is the first step toward protecting your trees and your land.

Why Summer Storms Can Be a Threat to Weak Trees

July 16, 2025
 How to Protect Your Property This Summer Midwestern summers are known for their beauty: long sunny days, lush greenery, and warm evenings. But they also bring a regular cycle of heavy storms. Thunderstorms, high winds, and saturated ground can wreak havoc on vulnerable trees, creating serious safety hazards and costly property damage. For homeowners and property managers, understanding how storm conditions interact with tree health is essential. The good news is that most storm-related tree failures are preventable with proactive care and inspection. This article will explore why weak trees are especially at risk during summer storms and how working with a certified arborist can help safeguard your property.

What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Arborist?

July 11, 2025
 Expert Tree Care Starts Here When it comes to tree care, not all professionals are created equal. A chainsaw and a truck do not make someone qualified to assess the health, safety, and structure of a tree. That distinction belongs to certified arborists—tree care specialists who are trained, tested, and held to rigorous professional standards. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we take pride in providing expert tree care delivered by certified professionals. But what exactly does “certified arborist” mean? And why should it matter to homeowners and property managers? Let’s take a closer look at what this credential entails and why it’s a crucial factor in responsible, long-term tree care.

Tree Removal Isn’t a DIY Job: Here’s Why

July 3, 2025
The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Down Your Own Tree Cutting down a tree might seem like a straightforward task—especially with online videos making it look simple—but in reality, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs you can attempt on your property. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we routinely get called in to finish or fix failed DIY removals, and the risk is rarely worth the gamble. This article will walk through the dangers of DIY tree removal, the specialized knowledge required to do it safely, and why hiring a certified arborist is the right move for protecting your property and your safety.

What Certified Arborists See That You Might Miss

June 27, 2025
Protect Your Property with Professional Tree Care Trees can be one of the most beautiful and valuable features on your property—but they also require expert care. While most homeowners can spot a clearly dead tree or a broken limb after a storm, many of the early warning signs of trouble go unnoticed until it is too late. That is where a certified arborist comes in. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, our team includes trained professionals who understand not only the biology of trees, but also the structural, environmental, and safety risks they may pose—especially during the fast-growing summer months.

How to Know if Your Tree Is Beyond Saving

June 20, 2025
Identifying Unsalvageable Trees Trees are living organisms—resilient, beautiful, and vital to the health of any landscape. But like all living things, trees can suffer from disease, injury, and decay. Sometimes a tree can be treated or trimmed to preserve its health. Other times, it is too far gone to recover, and attempting to save it becomes more dangerous than it is worth. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we often get called out by property owners who aren’t sure what condition their tree is in—or what to do about it. Here are some clear signs that your tree may be beyond saving, along with guidance on when to bring in a certified arborist for an expert assessment. 1. No Leaves (Outside of Dormant Season) If it’s late spring or summer and a tree is completely bare , it may be dead. Deciduous trees that lose all their leaves during the growing season—or that fail to produce new growth year after year—are likely no longer functioning.  Tip: If you scratch the bark with your fingernail and it’s dry and brown underneath instead of green, that’s a bad sign.

Invasive Pests in the Midwest: What to Watch For and How Arborists Respond

June 13, 2025
Protect Your Trees Year-Round Invasive tree pests pose a serious threat to the health, stability, and lifespan of the trees on your property. In the Midwest, these pests are not just a seasonal nuisance—they are a year-round concern that can lead to widespread damage if left unchecked. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we specialize in identifying, treating, and preventing infestations before they become costly problems. If you are a homeowner, land manager, or property developer in this region, understanding which pests are active—and how professional arborists respond—can help you take informed steps to protect your investment.

The Best Trees to Plant in the Midwest (And Where to Put Them

June 5, 2025
Thriving in the Midwest Planting a tree is a long-term investment—not just in your property, but in your environment, your home’s curb appeal , and even future shade and energy savings. But not all trees are equally suited for the Midwest’s unique climate, soil types, and seasonal swings. And even the right tree, if planted in the wrong spot, can become a problem rather than an asset. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we are committed to helping homeowners and property managers make smart choices that result in healthy, well-placed trees that thrive for decades. If you’re thinking about planting, here’s what to know about tree selection and placement in the Midwest.

What Is Tree Pruning and How Does It Help Trees?

May 29, 2025
The Power of Proper Pruning Tree pruning is one of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of tree care. While it might seem like a cosmetic task, pruning plays a vital role in a tree’s health, safety, structure, and long-term growth. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, pruning is not just something we do. It’s something we do right—with training, intention, and care. Whether you’re trying to clean up the appearance of a tree, remove dangerous limbs, or promote stronger growth, pruning is a strategic practice that directly affects the life and health of your trees. So what exactly is pruning—and why does it matter so much?
More Posts