Protecting Fruit Trees from Heavy Snow Loads

Winter snow and ice storms can cause severe damage to fruit trees. Fruit trees are typically pruned to maximize their ability to collect sunlight. Because of this lateral branching habit, fruit trees will collect and hold large amounts of snow and ice. If they have not been pruned correctly your tree may experience broken branches or other irreversible damage.

Heavy Snow Loads Can Damage Fruit Trees

The damage caused by snow and ice is typically a result of problems that can be avoided by regular pruning.

Included bark is one of the main reasons for branch failure. When two parallel branches grow together the bark tissue of the two branches become embedded in the tree, causing a weak spot that will fail when heavy snow and ice put downward pressure on the branches. For more information, follow this link.

Included Bark Creates Weak Spots in Fruit Trees

Included bark can be prevented by monitoring you trees and making sure that your trees have strong branch angles. Branches that are more perpendicular to each other are stronger than branches that are more parallel. For more information, follow this link.

What should you do if branches break in the winter? When branches break, it is important to remove them from your tree. Broken branches are a great place for pests and disease to harbor and enter your tree. If possible, make cuts below the break to ensure that you have a clean cut that leaves the smallest damaged surface area possible.

Broken Branches Should be Removed From Your Fruit Trees

If you are concerned about irreversible damage on your fruit trees this winter due to heavy snow loads and ice storms, make sure you are pruning your trees regularly and make sure you are following these eight steps to correct pruning.

Correctly Pruned Fruit Trees Will Hold Heavy Snow Loads

If you would like to learn more about the care and pruning of fruit trees, please browse our 100+ fruit tree articles here, join our Backyard Fruit Growers Facebook Group, and take our free Fruit Tree Pruning Course. Also, please subscribe to our Fruit Pruning YouTube Channel.