Last minute tips to save your trees before storm ramps up

DENVER — Tree experts are expecting significant damage to trees across Colorado Friday into Saturday, as the final round of a historic November snowstorm slams the state.

David Boswell with Ross Tree Company said the heavy, wet snow is indicative of a typical spring Colorado storm, and the timing is unfortunate for trees that haven’t lost their leaves.

“We’re going to have wet, heavy snow and we’re all going to feel it when we’re shoveling our driveways, but the trees are really going to feel it as it gathers and collects in the canopy of the tree,” said Boswell.

Boswell said trees that haven’t been pruned recently could suffer the most damage, as snow gathers between leaves and branches.

“We do expect to see a lot of failure and damage,” he said.

Boswell recommends clearing as much snow as possible from previous storms off of trees before bed Friday night.

He said this won’t be possible on large trees, but small fruit trees and other short trees will fare much better if you can remove additional weight.

He also said you can use a painter’s pole or a broom to knock snow off of taller trees, but he recommends not standing directly beneath the tree while doing so.

“First and foremost, look up into the tree and look at the canopy. So, if you’re noticing hanging branches or widow makers up there, best to leave that there and let us come out and take care of it,” he said. “But if you can get out, especially with the smaller trees and young trees, you can get that snow off before you go to bed. That will help reduce buildup over the course of most of the nighttime.”

He says storms like this are a great reminder to get regular pruning on trees to ensure your tree is ready no matter what time of year mother nature delivers a wet snow storm.