How to prepare and protect trees from extreme winter weather

The ice storm last January led to this widespread damage throughout the Willamette Valleyespecially with hundreds of trees falling due to wind and ice.

Now experts say residents should prepare their trees before this winter to potentially save the trees, personal property and possibly lives.

Jenn Cairo, forester for the city of Portland, said the biggest threat is not the collapse of entire trees, but rather the breaking off of large branches. Thick layers of ice are typically the cause.

“When we have extreme weather that is unusual, that can add extra weight that the branches are not used to and cause them to crack or break,” Cairo said.

During the ice storm, trees fell through several homes, including one in Lake Oswego, killing a man. Another tree fell through a mobile home in southeast Portland, igniting a fire and killing one person inside.

And in northeast Portland, Three people were electrocuted when a falling tree branch brought down a power line onto a vehicle.

Now weather experts are predicting another active winter season with a La Niña system that typically brings cooler temperatures and more precipitation.

Related: Oregon could experience wetter and cooler winter conditions this year thanks to La Niña

During extreme weather conditions, there are some signs that a tree could fall, Cairo said. Trees leaning in a more pronounced direction, unusually discolored foliage, and increased insect activity are all possible signs that something is wrong.

She also said people who care for their trees could inadvertently endanger them. For example, if all of the lower branches of a tree are removed, the top of the tree acts like a sail and is easier to blow off.

The Oregon Department of Forestry also provides advice to homeowners one must be careful where new trees are plantedand first make sure they do not pose risks.

Cairo recommended that property owners hire experts to inspect and care for their trees before winter begins.

“I encourage people to think of it as a good investment to keep their trees healthy and strong,” she said.

Depending on the location and size of the tree, the city of Portland approval may be required for trimming or removal.

ODF: Oregon Homeowner's Guide to Tree Care (pdf)