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Try to shake the ice from trees or shrubs.
The wood in some species is so fragile that you could damage it by
shaking the branches or hitting them to knock the ice off.
Species particularly at risk include some kinds of maples, birches,
willows, ashes, elms and poplars.
Try to lift any trees that have bent under the weight of the ice.
As long as temperatures remain cold, it is absolutely essential not to try to lift a tree. You could damage
the cambium, the tree's wood factory (see image).
However, if the weather warms up and the tips of the branches are caught in the ice, you can try to gently free them
and allow them to right themselves on their own.
Systematically chop down any damaged plants.
This is a definite don't! Each tree and shrub is precious and must
be examined carefully; it may have to be cut down, but then again, it may
just need pruning or trimming.
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- Find out from a reliable source how to properly cut or trim your trees. Once a tree is cut down,
it's gone _ you don't get a second chance. It takes years for a tree to flourish, but only a few minutes
to destroy it forever.
- Take a close look at each tree and shrub to evaluate the extent of the damage.
- If you do have to trim a tree, make sure that you have the right tools and that they are properly sharpened.
A blunt tool can do more harm than good.
- Wear proper clothing and be careful!
- Work with a least one partner, and be sure that you can always see where everyone is.
- Call on the experts (members of the International Society of Arboriculture - Québec)
to prune or trim any large trees.
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