Here at M.Large in Northern Ireland we’ve been experiencing heavy snowfall and winds of up to 50mph . These extreme conditions have brought down multiple power lines in our home county of Antrim and in Co.Down. Heavy snow fall and fallen trees have also caused the closure of nearly 70 schools throughout the province. 

Such high winds will take their toll on mature and over mature trees first as they are the tallest, the most likely to bear the majority of the force, and in some cases, the weakest due to old wounds or previous crown failures. This is exacerbated if the wind is accompanied by heavy rains or snow melt which softens up the soil around the roots leading to trees being uprooted and falling on power lines resulting in blackouts and other problems.

In addition, heavy snowfalls collecting on tree limbs can be compacted to become heavy “ice mulch”

This condition will only bend more pliable species and their branches, but can cause load bearing fractures in more rigid limbs and tree varieties.

Any trees suffering like this as a result of the current adverse weather conditions will need to be assessed, surveyed and in some cases reduced or removed.

M.Large Tree Services have been providing expert advice through our qualified and accredited arboriculturist team for over 30 years and are well placed to assist in the case of such events. We can assess damage, identify associated safety risks, recommend a course of action including where feasible, treatment of snow damage to save the tree.  

Talk to our arboriculture team on +442890342838 or email sales@mlarge.com to find out how we can help you care for and manage your trees.

BY mlarge | PUBLISHED March 27, 2013 LEARN MORE