Winter is here, and in the Puget Sound region, that means plenty of wind, rain, and occasional snow. While trees are naturally resilient, harsh winter weather can take a toll, causing weakened limbs to snap, entire trees to topple, and long-term health issues if proper care isn’t taken. Understanding how winter conditions impact trees can help homeowners, businesses, and municipalities prevent costly damage and ensure tree health through the colder months.

How Wind Affects Trees in Winter

Windstorms are a common occurrence in the Puget Sound area during winter, with some gusts reaching over 50 mph. Even moderate winds can put stress on trees, particularly those that have structural weaknesses such as cracks, hollow trunks, or heavy, unbalanced canopies. Large trees, like Douglas firs and western red cedars—both common in our region—are generally well adapted to wind, but they can still require professional tree services when soil becomes saturated and roots lose their grip.

Younger or newly planted trees are particularly vulnerable, as their root systems are not yet fully established. Without deep anchoring roots, these trees can easily bend or snap in high winds. To reduce wind damage, proper pruning and wind sail reduction techniques should be applied before storm season hits. If a tree appears to be leaning or swaying excessively, it may require immediate attention to prevent future failure.

The Effects of Heavy Rain and Waterlogged Soil

The Puget Sound region receives an average of 15 to 20 inches of rainfall between December 21 and March 21, saturating the soil and creating unstable conditions for trees. While rain is essential for tree health, excessive moisture can suffocate roots, weaken their grip in the soil, and make trees more prone to falling.

When the ground becomes overly saturated, trees lose stability, especially in combination with windstorms. This is a major concern for larger trees, whose weight can cause them to uproot when the soil is too loose. Signs of a tree struggling with excess moisture include yellowing leaves (even in evergreen species), fungal growth at the base, and exposed roots that appear lifted or cracked.

One way to protect trees from excess rain is to ensure proper drainage around their root zones. Avoid compacting soil near trees, as compacted soil prevents water from draining effectively. Additionally, trees planted in areas with poor drainage may benefit from aeration techniques or careful grading to redirect water away from their roots.

Snow Load and the Risk of Branch Breakage

While lowland Puget Sound areas don’t experience heavy snowfall every winter, occasional snowstorms can still wreak havoc on trees. Wet snow, which is common in this region, is much heavier than dry, powdery snow. In fact, wet snow can weigh 20 pounds per cubic foot, putting extreme stress on branches, especially those that are long, weak, or have existing cracks.

Broadleaf evergreens, such as rhododendrons and madrones, tend to bear the brunt of snow damage because their leaves provide extra surface area for snow to accumulate. Similarly, trees with multiple trunks or weak branch unions—such as maples and ornamental fruit trees—are more likely to suffer splitting under the weight of snow.

To minimize snow-related damage, proactive pruning is essential. Properly thinning a tree’s canopy before winter can reduce the surface area where snow accumulates, making it less likely for branches to snap. If a heavy snowfall does occur, gently knocking excess snow off branches with a broom can help relieve stress before limbs break under the weight.

How to Protect Your Trees This Winter

Taking a proactive approach to tree care can prevent major damage and tree removals later. Here are some key steps property owners can take to safeguard trees throughout the winter season:

1. Inspect Trees Regularly: Look for signs of stress such as cracks in the trunk, leaning trees, exposed or lifted roots, and dead branches that could become hazards in a storm.
2. Prune for Strength: Removing weak, dead, or overextended branches can prevent them from snapping under the weight of snow or in high winds.
3. Improve Soil Drainage: If water pools around the base of trees after heavy rains, consider aerating the soil or adjusting the landscape grading to promote better drainage.
4. Protect Young Trees: Staking young or newly planted trees can help them remain upright during windstorms, but stakes should be removed in the spring to allow normal growth.

Call Tree Service Experts for Hazardous Trees: If a tree is leaning dangerously, has visible decay, or has suffered storm damage, professional assessment is crucial. An arborist can determine whether corrective pruning, cabling, or removal is necessary to prevent further issues.

Winter Tree Care from P’n’D Logging and Tree Service

With winter already in full swing, now is the time to assess and address any tree-related concerns on your property. At P’n’D Logging and Tree Service, we help residential, commercial, and municipal property owners in Maple Valley and the greater Puget Sound area maintain strong, resilient trees.

If you have concerns about your trees or need professional pruning, trimming, or emergency tree removal, contact us today. Let’s keep your trees standing strong through the rest of winter and beyond.