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A Homes & Gardens report advises homeowners to inspect trees before winter weather arrives, when leaf fall can make structural problems easier to see. Arborists quoted in the report say to look for dead or hanging branches, cracks, fungal growth, weak trunk unions and signs of root movement; serious hazards should be assessed by a professional.
Homeowners should check their trees before winter storms arrive, according to a Homes & Gardens report featuring advice from arborists, who say strong winds, snow and ice can put added stress on damaged or structurally weak trees. A fall inspection can help identify potential hazards near homes, vehicles, walkways and other areas people use, while leaves are falling and some problems may be easier to spot.
The report recommends a visual assessment of trees from multiple angles and vantage points, focusing on branches that extend over buildings, parked cars, streets or pedestrian paths. Warning signs include dead, diseased or hanging branches, cracks, weak connections between major trunks, fungal growth and a new lean. It says homeowners can carry out a basic check themselves or ask a qualified arborist to assess the trees.
Levi Williams, a Tree Risk Assessment Qualified (TRAQ) ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Scouts Tree Service, advises checking trees ahead of incoming winter storms. He said high winds and freezing temperatures can contribute to damaging failures. The report notes that snow and ice can add weight to branches, while wind can shake limbs and stress those that are already weak.
Some small, accessible dead or damaged branches may be suitable for removal with proper tools, the report says, but large limbs, significant cracks, a pronounced lean or other major concerns call for a professional assessment. The recommended response depends on the tree and what it could hit if it failed. The article says options can include structural pruning to improve a tree’s form; in some cases, cabling or removal may be considered.
Reducing Winter Tree Hazards
A broken branch or failing tree can damage property and vehicles or injure people, particularly when it falls over a driveway, path or other frequently used area. Identifying visible defects before severe weather offers an opportunity to seek advice or arrange work before a storm puts additional strain on the tree.
The report presents inspection as a way to spot possible problems, not as a guarantee that a tree will withstand winter weather. It does not provide data on how many failures an inspection prevents or quantify potential savings. Its practical point is that homeowners should pay attention to trees near people and property, and get qualified help when a hazard is beyond basic pruning.
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Why Fall Is a Useful Time
The advice is tied to the seasonal change: as leaves fall from deciduous trees, some features of the canopy may be more visible. The report says an inspection before winter can give homeowners time to address immediate safety concerns before winds, snow or ice arrive. It also notes that some tree-care tasks are seasonal, and that not every issue requires immediate pruning.
Homes & Gardens cites two tree professionals. Williams recommends checks before storms; Basil Camu, co-founder of Leaf & Limb, discusses weak unions between trunks and signs around the tree’s base. Camu says two trunks of similar size can be prone to splitting, and that a V-shaped connection may be more concerning than a U-shaped one. The report also identifies cracks, mushrooms, cavities and soil or roots showing movement as signs that merit attention.
“I would always advise homeowners to do basic inspections of their trees before incoming winter weather storms.”
— Levi Williams, a TRAQ-qualified ISA Certified Arborist with Tree Scouts Tree Service
When a Tree Needs Expert Review
A visual check cannot establish on its own whether a tree is safe or predict whether it will fail in a particular storm. The report does not identify a specific property, storm, or tree incident prompting the seasonal advice, and it provides no measured estimate of how much inspections reduce risk. It also does not give a universal pruning schedule: the appropriate timing and response depend on the tree’s condition and location.
Homeowners should not treat the listed signs as a definitive diagnosis. The article recommends contacting an arborist for major concerns, including large or high limbs, significant leaning, or possible structural weakness. It does not provide local regulations or a directory of qualified professionals, which may vary by location.
Inspect, Then Choose a Response
The next step for homeowners is to check trees before winter weather sets in, paying particular attention to canopies over people and property and to visible changes around trunks and roots. If a concern involves a large branch, an unstable-looking tree or work at height, the report advises seeking a professional arborist rather than attempting the job independently.
Any pruning or other work should be based on the specific tree and the hazard identified. The report says some safety pruning can be done in fall, while other work may be better left until late winter or early spring. It does not name a single date or follow-up inspection schedule; weather conditions and professional advice will guide what happens next.
Key Questions
What should homeowners look for when checking trees before winter?
Look for dead, diseased or hanging branches, cracks, fungal growth, weak trunk unions, a new lean, and signs of root movement. Give extra attention to branches over homes, vehicles, streets and walkways.
Can homeowners prune problem branches themselves?
The report says small, accessible dead or damaged branches may be removed with suitable tools. Large limbs, work at height, or signs of significant structural problems should be assessed by a qualified arborist.
Does a tree need to be removed if it has a warning sign?
Not necessarily. The right response depends on the tree’s condition and what it could hit if it failed. The report describes structural pruning and, for some large trees, cabling as possible options; removal may be considered in severe cases.
Why check trees after leaves start falling?
The report says fall can be a useful time to inspect deciduous trees because the canopy may be easier to assess after leaves drop, leaving time to address immediate concerns before winter storms.
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