The Winter Storm Is Here: What to Do for Your Trees Right Now in North Texas
The Winter Storm is Here
The winter storm has arrived in North Texas and Collin County, bringing freezing temperatures, ice, and snow across the area. At this point, preventative maintenance has largely passed—but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do. What matters now is protecting your property, minimizing damage, and knowing how to respond during and after the storm.
Trees in Collin County are especially vulnerable to ice accumulation, heavy snow loads, and sudden temperature swings. Acting smartly during current conditions—and quickly after the storm—can reduce long-term damage and serious safety risks. If you’re unsure what to do, professionals like Plano Tree Care Inc. are ready to help.
What to Do for Trees During Ice & Snow Conditions
Once ice and snow begin to accumulate, safety comes first. Avoid unnecessary tree work during the storm, but take these important steps:
- Stay Clear of Trees: Ice-laden branches can fail without warning. Keep people, pets, and vehicles away from trees during the storm.
- Avoid Shaking Branches: Knocking ice or snow loose can cause branches to snap or fall unexpectedly.
- Monitor High-Risk Trees: Watch for trees with existing cracks, dead limbs, or heavy lean—these are more likely to fail under ice weight.
If you notice large limbs hanging or threatening structures, do not attempt removal yourself. Storm-damaged trees are unpredictable, and improper handling can lead to serious injury or property damage.
Common Tree Problems Caused by Ice Storms in Collin County
Ice and snow storms in North Texas can cause immediate and hidden damage, including:
- Broken or Split Limbs: Ice adds tremendous weight, especially to broad-canopy trees common in the area.
- Tree Failure or Uprooting: Saturated soil combined with wind and ice can topple trees.
- Cracked Trunks: Rapid temperature changes can cause structural splits.
- Evergreen Damage: Pines and other evergreens often bend or suffer permanent deformation under ice loads.
Many of these problems are not fully visible until the storm has passed—which is why a professional post-storm inspection is so important.
What Not to Do During the Storm
During icy conditions:
Don’t climb ladders or trees- Don’t operate chainsaws near ice-covered limbs
- Don’t park vehicles under trees
- Don’t attempt to prune frozen or brittle branches
Tree work during a winter storm is extremely dangerous and often causes more damage than it prevents.
After the Storm: How to Assess Tree Damage Safely
Once conditions improve, it’s time to evaluate the aftermath:
1. Identify Immediate Hazards
Look for:
- Hanging or partially broken limbs
- Trees leaning toward homes, driveways, or power lines
- Large debris blocking access areas
2. Handle Small Debris Only
You may remove small, loose branches from the ground, but leave large limbs and damaged trees to trained professionals.
3. Avoid Heavy or Improper Pruning
Ice-damaged trees are already under stress. Incorrect pruning can worsen damage, introduce disease, or compromise long-term structure.
Professional Tree Care After a Winter Storm
Storm-damaged trees often require expert evaluation and precision work. Plano Tree Care Inc. proudly serves North Texas and Collin County with Certified Arborists and fully insured tree care crews, ensuring work is done safely, correctly, and responsibly.
Professional services include:
- Emergency Tree Removal: Safe removal of fallen or hazardous trees
- Storm Damage Pruning: Corrective pruning to reduce future failure
- Tree Health Assessments: Identifying internal or structural damage not visible to the untrained eye
- Debris Cleanup: Restoring safety and access to your property
Hiring a Certified Arborist with proper insurance protects not only your trees—but also your home, your family, and your liability.
Why Post-Storm Tree Care Matters
Ignoring storm damage can lead to:
- Delayed tree failure weeks or months later
- Increased risk of pests and disease
- Ongoing safety hazards
- Higher removal and repair costs in the future
Timely professional care helps preserve healthy trees and prevents small problems from becoming emergencies.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Property and Stay Safe
With ice and snow impacting North Texas and Collin County, the focus is no longer preparation—it’s safety, damage control, and recovery. The best thing you can do is avoid risky DIY work and have your trees inspected by a Certified Arborist once conditions allow.
If your property has been affected by the storm—or you’re concerned about ice-laden or damaged trees—Plano Tree Care Inc. is ready to respond with experienced, fully insured storm-damage tree services you can trust.
Winter storms are unpredictable. A professional response makes all the difference. 
