Submitted photo.
Lafayette County Master Gardeners: After the Ice
An ice storm transforms the garden into a glittering landscape, every branch encased in crystal. Yet once the thaw begins, that beauty often reveals damage—splintered limbs, bowed evergreens, scattered debris, and in severe cases, fallen trees. For gardeners and property owners, cleanup after an ice storm requires patience, caution, and informed decision-making.
This guide outlines how to approach post–ice storm cleanup safely, when to call a professional, and how to care for trees and shrubs suffering from ice damage.
Safety First: Assess Before You Act
Ice storms create hazardous conditions that persist even after temperatures rise. Before beginning any cleanup:
1. Watch for Hanging Limbs (“Widowmakers”)
Broken branches caught high in the canopy may fall unexpectedly. Never stand directly beneath damaged limbs while inspecting trees.
2. Avoid Downed Power Lines
If a fallen tree has taken down electrical wires, stay far away and contact your utility provider immediately. Assume all wires are live.
3. Wear Protective Gear
Essential equipment includes:
- Hard hat or sturdy helmet
- Safety glasses or face shield
- Heavy gloves
- Steel-toed boots with traction
- Chainsaw chaps if using power tools
4. Know Your Limits
Ice-damaged wood is under tension. Branches can snap back with force when cut improperly. If a tree is large, near structures, or entangled in other trees, professional assistance is strongly advised.
Initial Cleanup: Start Small
Begin with manageable debris.
Remove Fallen Branches
Collect small branches and twigs first. These can be:
- Chipped for mulch
- Cut for firewood (if suitable species)
- Stacked for municipal pickup
Clear pathways, driveways, and access points to ensure safe movement around your property.
Check Shrubs and Perennials
Gently lift flattened shrubs. In many cases, flexible plants rebound once ice melts. Do not shake branches while still frozen; this can cause additional breakage.
Handling Dropped and Fallen Trees
When an entire tree has fallen, evaluate carefully before proceeding.
1. Determine the Root Situation
- Uprooted trees with exposed root balls often cannot be saved, especially mature specimens.
- Partially lifted trees may be salvageable if small (under 8 feet tall) and replanted quickly.
2. Cutting Fallen Trees
If the tree is fully down and not near utilities or structures:
- Work methodically from the outer branches inward.
- Be aware of tension in limbs pinned beneath the trunk.
- Never cut directly into wood that is supporting weight without understanding how it may shift.
Large trees, particularly those leaning on structures, should be handled by certified arborists.
Selecting a Contractor After an Ice Storm
Severe storms often bring an influx of “storm chasers,” unlicensed operators offering quick, inexpensive tree removal. Choosing the right contractor protects both your property and your safety.
What to Look For
1. Certification and Credentials
Seek a contractor who employs a certified arborist. Certification indicates professional training in tree biology, safety, and proper pruning practices.
2. Insurance Coverage
Require proof of:
- Liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation insurance
Without coverage, you could be liable for injuries or property damage.
3. Written Estimates
Obtain multiple written estimates detailing:
- Scope of work
- Cleanup responsibilities
- Stump removal (if included)
- Total cost
Avoid contractors demanding full payment upfront.
4. References and Reviews
Ask for local references and verify recent work. Reputable professionals welcome questions.
5. Avoid High-Pressure Tactics
Be cautious of anyone who:
- Shows up unsolicited
- Demands immediate decisions
- Requests cash-only payment
- Lacks identification or company information
Storm recovery is stressful, but taking time to hire carefully prevents further damage.
Caring for Ice-Damaged Trees
Not all storm-damaged trees require removal. Many recover remarkably well with proper care.
Assessing Damage
Look for:
- Split crotches (where major branches meet)
- Bark tears
- Twisted trunks
- Broken leaders (main vertical stem)
If more than 50% of the canopy is lost, or if the trunk is severely split, removal may be necessary. However, moderate damage can often be corrected with thoughtful pruning.
Pruning After Ice Damage
Timing
Remove broken or hazardous limbs promptly. Additional structural pruning can occur later in the growing season once the tree begins active growth.
Proper Cuts
- Make clean cuts just outside the branch collar.
- Avoid leaving stubs.
- Do not apply wound paints or sealants; trees naturally compartmentalize wounds.
Reduce Weight Carefully
In cases of split branches that are not fully detached, carefully remove weight from the damaged limb before completing the cut. This minimizes further tearing.
Special Considerations for Different Tree Types
Deciduous Trees
Species such as maples and elms may lose branches but often recover well. Monitor for secondary stress symptoms like dieback in summer.
Evergreens
Evergreens are particularly vulnerable to ice because needles catch and hold accumulation. Gently brush off snow (not ice) with an upward motion to avoid snapping branches.
If evergreen branches remain bent after thaw, they may slowly regain shape over several months. Avoid tying them upright too tightly, which can cause additional stress.
Supporting Recovery
After structural pruning:
1. Water During Dry Periods
Damaged trees need adequate moisture to recover, especially in the first growing season following the storm.
2. Mulch Properly
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base (but not against the trunk) to regulate soil temperature and conserve moisture.
3. Avoid Fertilizing Immediately
Do not fertilize heavily right after storm damage. Excess nitrogen can stimulate weak, rapid growth rather than strong structural recovery.
4. Monitor for Pests
Storm-stressed trees may become vulnerable to insects or disease. Watch for:
- Oozing sap
- Unusual leaf drop
- Bark discoloration
Prompt attention improves long-term survival.
When to Remove a Tree
Removal is typically recommended if:
- The trunk is split through the center.
- The tree leans significantly toward structures.
- Roots are heaved and soil is lifted extensively.
- Major scaffold branches are destroyed beyond repair.
If uncertain, consult a certified arborist for an evaluation before making a final decision.
Emotional Impact and Long-Term Planning
Mature trees are investments measured in decades. Losing one can feel deeply personal. When removal is unavoidable, consider it an opportunity to re-evaluate your landscape:
- Diversify species to reduce vulnerability to future storms.
- Plant trees with strong branch angles and sturdy structure.
- Avoid overplanting fast-growing, weak-wooded species.
Ice storms highlight the importance of proactive pruning during a tree’s early years to establish strong branch architecture.
Preparing for the Future
After cleaning up, take preventive steps:
- Schedule periodic structural pruning for young trees.
- Remove dead or weak limbs before winter.
- Install proper cabling or bracing for valuable specimen trees if recommended by an arborist.
- Keep trees healthy year-round to increase resilience.
Healthy trees withstand ice loads far better than stressed or poorly structured specimens.
Final Thoughts
Ice storms test the strength of both landscapes and gardeners. Careful assessment, safety awareness, and informed decisions are essential during cleanup. While the sight of broken branches can be discouraging, many trees recover with time and proper care.
Approach recovery deliberately. Protect yourself first, seek professional help when needed, and support damaged trees through the growing season. In many cases, what appears devastating in winter becomes, by spring, a testament to the resilience built into the natural world—and into well-tended gardens.
For more information see the following articles on the University of Mississippi Extension website
Storm-Resistant Trees for Mississippi Landscapes
Disaster Response- Clean up Safely
Coping Financially with Disasters
About the Author
