January 27, 2021 10:15 a.m. 

Snowfalls may be less common in Oregon’s urban areas than in the past, but heavy amounts can still cause havoc with trees that have poor branch structure.

Information from the Oregon Department of Forestry said residents should take a look at their trees this winter and see if there are simple pruning cuts that can be made to limit damage to future snowstorms.

ODF has posted bulletins on its website to help homeowners with details about what to look for and where a cut might prevent damage to the tree. Go to: https://www.oregon.gov/odf/forestbenefits/pages/urbanforests.aspx

ODF’s Urban and Community Forestry Assistance Program Manager Kristin Ramstad said being prepared for winter includes knowing what to do about trees when it snows heavily. She said people should keep a broom handy to sweep snow off branches if it looks like they might be getting weighed down.

Ramstad said residents should be especially diligent about removing snow off branches and foliage. She said property owners should look first to make sure no large branches are hung up in the tree and could fall on them. Avoid hitting the tree with a hard object, as it can break the bark.

The release said if major branches do break under heavy snow or in a storm, consult with a certified arborist belonging to the Pacific Northwest chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.