Arborvitae - Ask Extension
My arborvitae’s took a hit this winter and some of the branches got weighed down from the heavy snow. Now that some time has passed they are still h...
Knowledgebase
Arborvitae #868642
Asked May 15, 2024, 9:40 PM EDT
My arborvitae’s took a hit this winter and some of the branches got weighed down from the heavy snow. Now that some time has passed they are still hanging down. How should we remedy this particular issue? Cut the flopping branches?
Thank you.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Afternoon,
This is typically a case-by-case call and requires some experience and judgment. Branches that are broken certainly need to be properly pruned. For branches that are simply bent, it may be possible to train them back into position. Branches tied or trained back into position will continue to produce new wood and may return to form. It is essential that ties or straps used for training are left on the tree for no more than two seasons. Training materials that are forgotten and left in place will eventually girdle branches and kill them. Lastly, if a homeowner cannot safely do the work from the ground or a small stepladder, it’s time to contact a professional arborist.
Act now to manage snow damage on arborvitaes - MSU Extension
You can have an arborist come out and assess your trees to give you the best action to take for your trees.
TreesAreGood.org
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
This is typically a case-by-case call and requires some experience and judgment. Branches that are broken certainly need to be properly pruned. For branches that are simply bent, it may be possible to train them back into position. Branches tied or trained back into position will continue to produce new wood and may return to form. It is essential that ties or straps used for training are left on the tree for no more than two seasons. Training materials that are forgotten and left in place will eventually girdle branches and kill them. Lastly, if a homeowner cannot safely do the work from the ground or a small stepladder, it’s time to contact a professional arborist.
Act now to manage snow damage on arborvitaes - MSU Extension
You can have an arborist come out and assess your trees to give you the best action to take for your trees.
TreesAreGood.org
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
