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Winter in Davis and Weber Counties brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes, but it also creates conditions that can turn trees into serious hazards. Heavy snow, ice storms, and strong winds put extra stress on trees that may already be weak or damaged. Knowing when a tree poses an immediate danger to your home or family can help you act quickly before disaster strikes.
Don't wait for a tree to fall on your home or power lines. If you notice any dangerous warning signs, call (801) 758-7023 or submit our online contact form for immediate assistance.
Understanding Winter Tree Dangers
Winter weather creates unique challenges for trees in northern Utah. The combination of heavy snow loads, ice accumulation, and freezing temperatures can weaken even healthy trees. When temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing, water expands inside cracks and splits the wood further. Strong winter winds put additional pressure on branches already weighed down by snow and ice, making them more likely to break without warning.
Trees that seemed stable during warmer months may suddenly become hazardous when winter conditions reveal hidden weaknesses. Regular inspection of the trees on your property can help you spot problems before they become emergencies.
Visible Cracks or Splits in the Trunk
One of the most serious warning signs is visible cracks or splits running along the trunk. These openings indicate structural damage that compromises the tree's stability. During winter, water seeps into these cracks, freezes, and expands, making the damage worse with each freeze-thaw cycle.
Look for vertical cracks that run up and down the trunk, as these are particularly dangerous. You might also notice the bark separating from the wood underneath. If you can see deep splits that expose the inner wood, the tree may fail suddenly, especially during the next storm. This type of damage requires immediate professional evaluation and often needs emergency tree services to prevent collapse.
Leaning Trees or Sudden Changes in Position
A tree that leans more than 15 degrees from vertical poses a significant risk, especially if the lean appeared suddenly or has increased recently. While some trees naturally grow at an angle, a new lean or one that's getting worse indicates root failure or structural problems.
Check the ground around the base of a leaning tree. Raised soil, exposed roots, or cracks in the ground on the opposite side of the lean suggest the tree is pulling away from the earth. During winter, frozen ground can temporarily hide these signs, only for the tree to topple when the soil thaws. If you notice any sudden changes in a tree's position after a storm, it's time to call for professional help.
Dead or Hanging Branches (Widow Makers)
Dead branches, often called "widow makers" by tree professionals, are extremely dangerous during winter. Snow and ice add weight to these already weakened limbs, making them likely to break and fall without warning. Even a small branch falling from height can cause serious injury or property damage.
Signs that branches are dead or dying include:
- Brittle bark that falls off easily or is missing entirely
- No buds forming on the branches during late winter
- Branches that break easily when bent slightly
- Hollow areas or cavities visible in the branch
Look up into your trees regularly, especially after storms. If you see branches hanging loosely or caught in other branches, don't try to remove them yourself. These unstable limbs require professional tree removal techniques to safely bring them down without causing injury or damage.
Signs of Root Damage or Decay
What's happening underground matters just as much as what you can see above ground. Root problems often show up as visible changes around the base of the tree. Look for mushrooms or fungal growth near the trunk, which indicate decay in the root system. Soft, spongy soil or exposed roots that appear rotted are also red flags.
Construction work, changes in soil grade, or even heavy traffic near the tree can damage roots over time. Winter freezing and thawing can further weaken compromised root systems. A tree with damaged roots can't anchor itself properly and may topple during winter storms when the ground is saturated or frozen.
Unusual Insect Activity or Disease Symptoms
While insect activity slows during winter, evidence of past infestations or active disease can signal a tree in decline. Woodpecker holes covering the trunk indicate that insects have invaded the wood, hollowing it out from inside. You might also notice sawdust-like material around the base or unusual sap oozing from the bark.
Common disease symptoms include discolored or spotted bark, cankers (sunken dead areas on branches or trunk), and sections where bark has fallen away completely. Trees weakened by insects or disease can't withstand winter's harsh conditions and are more likely to break or fall. If you see these signs, the tree may need to be removed before it becomes a safety hazard.
Multiple Trunks with Weak Attachments
Trees with two or more main trunks splitting from a single point often develop weak connections between those trunks. This V-shaped junction collects water and debris, leading to decay at the point where the trunks meet. During winter, snow and ice load each trunk differently, creating stress that can cause the tree to split apart.
Look at where the trunks separate. If you see cracks, splits, or gaps at the junction, the attachment is failing. Trees with included bark (where bark grows between the trunks instead of wood) are particularly vulnerable. Winter storms can be the final stressor that causes these multi-trunk trees to split catastrophically.
Proximity to Power Lines or Structures
Even a healthy tree becomes an emergency hazard when it grows too close to power lines, your home, or other buildings. During winter storms, heavy snow or ice can cause branches to break and fall onto these structures. Power lines in contact with trees or branches can create fire hazards and dangerous electrical situations.
Evaluate the space between your trees and important structures:
- Is any part of the tree within 10 feet of power lines?
- Do branches overhang your roof or garage?
- Could the tree reach your house or your neighbor's property if it fell?
Trees in these locations need proactive assessment and may require removal before winter weather creates an emergency. Professional tree services can evaluate whether trimming will address the risk or if removal is the safer option.
Hollow or Decayed Trunk Sections
A hollow trunk doesn't always mean a tree must be removed immediately, but it significantly reduces the tree's strength. When decay hollows out more than one-third of the trunk's diameter, the remaining wood may not support the tree's weight, especially under winter snow loads.
Tap the trunk with your knuckles and listen for a hollow sound. Look for cavities or holes in the trunk where you can see inside. Sometimes animals create nests in these hollow spaces, which is another indication of internal decay. Trees with significant hollowing need professional evaluation to determine if they can safely remain standing through winter.
Taking Action on Dangerous Trees
When you identify any of these warning signs, quick action protects your property and keeps your family safe. Take photos of any damage or concerning features to share with tree care professionals. Keep people and pets away from the area beneath questionable trees, especially during storms or high winds.
Don't attempt to remove dangerous trees yourself. Trees under stress can fall unpredictably, and working near power lines is potentially fatal. Professional arborists have the training, equipment, and insurance to handle emergency situations safely.
Protect Your Property This Winter
Winter tree emergencies don't wait for convenient timing. If you've noticed any of these warning signs on your Davis or Weber County property, prompt action can prevent costly damage and keep your family safe. The professionals at Page's Professional Tree Service understand the unique challenges northern Utah winters present and can assess your trees for hidden dangers.
Contact Page's Professional Tree Service today at (801) 758-7023 or through our online contact form to schedule an emergency tree evaluation. We're here to help you identify risks and provide solutions before the next winter storm arrives.