In Ottawa and across Eastern Ontario, strong winds, heavy snow, and ice are part of every year. These storms are hard on trees — especially mature ones or those growing near homes and roads. Regular pruning is one of the most effective ways to help your trees handle this stress and reduce the risk of damage.
Here’s how proper pruning by a certified arborist makes your trees stronger, safer, and more resilient during storm season.
1. Removes Weak or Dead Branches Before They Fall
Dead and damaged limbs are often the first to snap in a storm. When the wind picks up or ice builds on branches, they can break suddenly and fall on roofs, fences, or vehicles.
Regular pruning identifies and removes these weak spots before the next storm arrives. An arborist looks for:
- Branches with cracks or rot
- Limbs growing in narrow V-shaped angles
- Old pruning wounds that never healed properly
By removing these early, you prevent potential damage and keep the tree structure balanced.
2. Improves Tree Balance and Structure
A well-structured tree is much less likely to break or uproot in strong winds. Pruning helps balance the weight of branches throughout the canopy, reducing stress on the trunk and major limbs.
Proper structural pruning can:
- Lower the risk of a tree leaning or splitting
- Strengthen the main leader (central trunk)
- Improve wind resistance and flexibility
In contrast, trees that grow unevenly or have multiple leaders (trunks) are more prone to splitting in a storm.
Cabling & Bracing can also be used to support heavy limbs that can’t be removed safely.
3. Reduces Wind Resistance
When a tree canopy is too thick, wind has no way to pass through it. The dense mass acts like a sail, catching the full force of the wind and increasing the risk of uprooting or breaking.
Thinning selective interior branches helps the wind move through the canopy instead of pushing against it. This technique is especially important for:
- Maples
- Elms
- Spruces
- Poplars
These species are common in Ottawa and tend to suffer most during windstorms if left unmaintained.
4. Prevents Ice and Snow Accumulation
In winter, heavy snow and freezing rain can bend or snap branches, particularly in species with long or horizontal limbs. Regular pruning helps remove weak or crowded sections that trap snow or ice.
Trees most at risk in Ottawa winters include:
| Tree Type | Typical Issue | Preventive Action |
|---|---|---|
| Silver Maple | Brittle wood, wide crown | Light canopy thinning every 2–3 years |
| Birch | Multiple stems, flexible limbs | Structural pruning and selective reduction |
| Spruce | Dense interior growth | Crown cleaning to reduce snow buildup |
Pruning reduces the total surface area where snow and ice can collect, helping trees stand upright after storms.
5. Encourages Healthier Growth After Storm Damage
Even with good care, storms can still break a few branches. Trees that have been regularly pruned recover faster and are less likely to suffer internal decay.
Healthy, well-pruned trees respond to wounds by sealing them quickly, preventing rot and disease from spreading into the trunk.
If a tree is already damaged, professional pruning immediately after a storm helps shape new growth and prevent future weak points.
6. Keeps People and Property Safe
The biggest risk during storms isn’t always tree loss — it’s falling branches. Regular pruning helps prevent those unpredictable failures that threaten homes, cars, and pedestrians.
An arborist will evaluate each tree’s position relative to:
- Power lines
- Roofs
- Parking areas
- Sidewalks or public paths
Removing potential hazards before the storm season saves costly emergency work later.
7. Builds Long-Term Resilience
Trees adapt to pruning by growing stronger and forming better branch attachments over time. Routine pruning every 2–4 years, depending on the species, helps maintain stability for decades.
Well-maintained trees can survive harsh Ottawa winters with minimal damage, while neglected ones often require full removal after a single storm.
When to Schedule Pruning
The best time to prune for storm preparation is late fall or early spring — when growth is slow and visibility of branch structure is high. Avoid heavy pruning in mid-summer or winter unless it’s an emergency removal.
Homeowners should also schedule a professional tree inspection once a year to identify early warning signs of weakness or decay.
Trust Arboris for Safe, Professional Pruning
At Arboris, our ISA Certified Arborists understand the challenges of Ottawa’s stormy seasons. We use advanced climbing and rigging techniques to make trees safer without harming their natural shape or health.
Why homeowners choose Arboris:
- Over 10 years of local experience
- Fully insured and certified team
- Focus on safety and tree preservation
- Serving Ottawa East, Casselman, Rockland, and Eastern Ontario
Prepare your trees before the next storm.
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