Late Winter Is When Most Tree Failures Begin — Not During the Storm

Right now, across North Alabama, trees are carrying structural weaknesses that formed over years — and late winter is when those weaknesses are easiest to identify and correct.
With leaves off the canopy, structural defects are fully visible. Dead limbs, weak attachments, imbalance, and decay can be seen clearly. Once spring growth begins, these defects become hidden again — and continue to worsen under the weight of new leaves and seasonal storms.

This is why late winter and early spring is one of the most important times of year for professional tree evaluation and structural pruning.

What changes this time of year
Trees are transitioning from dormancy into active growth. Energy is beginning to move upward, and structural stress points become more critical as the canopy prepares to expand.

Issues commonly identified this time of year include:
• Dead limbs that will not leaf out in spring
• Weak branch unions prone to storm failure
• Structural imbalance from improper past pruning
• Early signs of internal decay
• Limbs overhanging roofs, driveways, and structures
• Trees that have outgrown their available space

These problems rarely correct themselves. They progress slowly — until failure occurs.
Why correcting issues now prevents emergency removals later

Structural pruning performed at the right time can:
• Reduce limb weight and wind resistance
• Improve long-term structural stability
• Prevent branch and tree failure during storms
• Extend the safe life of mature trees
• Protect homes, vehicles, and property

Waiting until summer or storm season often limits options. What could have been corrected with precision pruning becomes a hazardous removal.

Most trees give warning signs before failure
Cracks, dead limbs, imbalance, decay, and improper growth patterns develop gradually. These signs can be identified and addressed early by a trained climbing arborist.
Most emergency tree removals I perform could have been prevented years earlier with proper structural care.

My work focuses on identifying and correcting those issues before they become emergencies.
Serving homeowners across North Alabama

I specialize in:
• Tree hazard assessment
• Structural pruning
• Mature tree preservation
• Risk reduction pruning
• Hazardous tree removal when necessary

Every tree is personally evaluated based on structure, stability, and long-term safety — not sales quotas.
The best time to act is before spring growth begins
Once leaves return, structural defects become harder to see and heavier canopies increase stress on weak limbs.
Late winter and early spring provide the clearest opportunity to evaluate and correct issues safely.
If you have mature trees near your home, driveway, or structures, now is the time to have them evaluated.
Protect your property. Preserve your trees. Prevent emergencies before they happen.