We have already had a very cold, snowy December.

What is ahead in the New Year?

Heavy amounts of snow and ice on the branches of trees and shrubs can cause considerable damage.

Multi-stemmed evergreens, such as junipers and arborvitae, and weak-wooded deciduous trees are most susceptible to branch breakage.

Improper removal of ice and snow can increase the amount of damage to trees and shrubs.

During the winter months, the most serious damage generally occurs during ice storms.

Large branches or entire trees can be lost because of the tremendous weight of the ice.

When the weight of ice causes a small tree to bend sharply, it may be possible to prop it up to prevent breakage.

Don’t attempt to remove the ice by beating the branches with a broom or rake. This will only cause greater damage.

If the temperature is above freezing, spraying the ice-coated branches with cold water will help melt the ice.

Hot water or boiling water, however, may injure the trees and shrubs.

Individuals should stay away from large, ice-laden trees.

Nothing can be done to prevent damage to large trees.

You, however, can be severely injured or killed if a large tree or branch were to suddenly crash to the ground while you are underneath it.

Accumulation of heavy, wet snow on evergreens can also cause severe branch breakage.

When heavy, wet snow accumulates on evergreens, gently shake the branches or carefully brush off the snow with a broom.

When shoveling driveways and sidewalks, don’t throw heavy, wet snow or ice onto shrubs or small trees. The weight of it can cause considerable damage.

If branch breakage occurs on a tree, prune back the damaged limb to the main branch or trunk.

Damaged shrubs may need to be pruned in the spring to restore their attractive, natural shape.

Frost cracks are another concern. These are splits in the bark and wood of a tree.

They are caused by rapid drops in temperature that freeze the water within the trunk, forcing it to explode or split open.

If not severe, the cracks can heal themselves by callusing over.

However, many times the cracks reopen again the following winter.

Frost cracks can be compounded by internal defects within the wood.

Defective wood does not contract as readily as the outer layers of healthy wood when winter temperatures decrease rapidly.

Care should be taken to avoid trunk damage of trees, especially when young.

Frost cracks in trees are ideal entrance sites for wood-decaying organisms and insects.

Properly pruned trees and shrubs can reduce the accumulation of snow and ice collected on the branches.

Removal of weak branches and those with acute or narrow angles can help reduce breakage.

Avoid late-winter pruning that stimulates new growth.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613