Winter Storms in the South Okanagan: When to Call an Arborist
Winter in the South Okanagan may not bring the deep freeze of the Prairies or the constant snowfalls of the Coast, but it delivers its own unique mix of challenges: wet, heavy snow, freezing rain, and gusty valley winds that can turn picturesque landscapes into danger zones overnight.
At Millar Tree Care, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly those conditions can turn ordinary trees into safety risks. From Penticton to Oliver, what starts as a bit of ice on a branch can end with a broken limb, uprooted trunk, or even damage to nearby homes and vehicles. Understanding why winter storms are so hard on trees — and when to call a professional arborist — can help protect both your property and your peace of mind.
Why Winter Storms Are So Hard on Trees
Winter storms aren’t just about snow; they’re a complex combination of stressors that can push even healthy trees to their limits. Let’s look at what’s happening above and below the ground during those cold, unpredictable months.
1. Bark Splitting (Frost Cracking)
When temperatures drop sharply after a warm spell — a frequent event in our valley climate — tree bark can contract faster than the inner wood beneath it. This sudden stress causes long vertical splits known as frost cracks.
Frost cracks are more than cosmetic; they create open wounds that expose the tree’s inner tissues to pests, moisture, and disease. Once a tree develops a crack, it often reopens in future winters at the same spot. Thin-barked species like maple, cherry, birch, and young ornamental trees are especially susceptible.
Over time, repeated cracking weakens the tree’s structure and interrupts its ability to transport water and nutrients efficiently.
2. Snow and Ice Build-Up
There’s no mistaking the beauty of fresh snow on evergreens — until that beauty turns into several hundred pounds of added weight. Wet snow and freezing rain cling to branches, adding enormous stress to the tree’s framework.
The South Okanagan’s mild winter temperatures often hover around the freezing mark, which means snow doesn’t stay light and fluffy. Instead, it compacts into dense, icy layers that can bend or break limbs outright.
Dense-canopy trees, including spruce, pine, and mature deciduous trees, are particularly vulnerable. In severe cases, the pressure can split major limbs or uproot smaller trees entirely. Even if a limb doesn’t break, micro-cracks and stress fractures can form, weakening the tree’s integrity for the next storm.
3. Root Stress and Soil Compaction
Our region’s freeze-thaw cycles — a few mild days followed by hard overnight freezes — wreak havoc below the surface. When the ground warms, roots absorb water and may even grow slightly. When temperatures plummet again, that water freezes inside the root cells, causing tissue damage.
Soils that are compacted or poorly draining make the problem worse. Saturated soil limits oxygen and can “choke” roots, while frozen ground prevents them from accessing moisture at all. Over time, this cycle weakens root anchorage and leaves trees more prone to toppling during high winds or heavy snowfall.
This is especially true in urban and residential areas where construction, driveways, and foot traffic have compacted the soil around tree bases.
4. Lingering Weaknesses from Past Seasons
Perhaps the most overlooked factor in winter tree damage is what happened before the snow arrived.
After a long, hot, and dry Okanagan summer, many trees are already under stress. Drought forces trees to conserve water by slowing growth, shedding leaves early, and redirecting resources away from root development. These trees may look perfectly fine by fall — but inside, their tissues are brittle, their roots dehydrated, and their energy reserves depleted.
When winter storms hit, these “hidden stresses” suddenly show themselves: branches snap, bark splits, or trees lean under loads they would have withstood in healthier years.
At Millar Tree Care, we call this latent stress, and it’s one of the biggest predictors of winter storm failure.
What to Do If Storm Damage Strikes
Even with preparation, sometimes nature just hits harder than expected. When that happens, quick action — and caution — are critical.
After a major storm, take a slow walk around your property and look for:
Large broken limbs hanging overhead
Fresh cracks or splits in branches or trunks
Trees leaning at new angles or lifting at the root base
Bark that’s peeled or split open
Branches entangled in power lines
Limbs resting on roofs, sheds, or fences
If you spot any of these signs, do not try to handle them yourself. Winter-damaged trees are unpredictable; heavy snow, internal cracks, and icy conditions make them especially hazardous.
That’s where Millar Tree Care comes in.
How Millar Tree Care Can Help
Our certified arborists are trained to assess, stabilize, and restore storm-damaged trees safely and efficiently. We understand local conditions, species, and soil types across the South Okanagan — from the dry hillsides of Summerland to the lakeshore lots of Osoyoos.
Here’s how we can help when winter weather takes a toll:
Emergency Storm Response
When fallen or damaged trees pose an immediate threat, we respond quickly to remove hazards and restore safety. Our crews are equipped to handle complex removals and storm debris under icy or unstable conditions.
Detailed Damage Evaluations
Not every damaged tree has to come down. We carefully assess each one to determine whether it can be pruned, braced, or safely preserved. Saving a mature tree — when possible — often adds decades of shade, beauty, and property value.
Preventative Pruning and Structural Support
We offer winter pruning services to remove weak or poorly attached branches before they fail. For valuable or heritage trees, we can install cabling or bracing systems to reinforce limbs and prevent further cracking.
Site Clean-Up and Recovery
From large limb removal to full debris cleanup, we make sure your property is left safe, tidy, and ready for the next round of weather.
Preventing Future Storm Damage
You can’t control the weather, but you can dramatically reduce storm-related risks with proactive care:
Schedule annual inspections. A professional arborist can spot weaknesses or decay that aren’t visible from the ground.
Prune for balance and clearance. Removing deadwood and thinning dense canopies lessens snow and ice accumulation.
Mulch and water before freeze-up. Moist, insulated roots are better equipped to handle temperature swings.
Keep snow clear from trunks. As it melts and refreezes, it can promote rot and pest activity.
Select the right species. If planting new trees, choose drought-tolerant and wind-resistant varieties suited to local conditions.
A small investment in prevention can save thousands in storm cleanup later — and keep your property safe year-round.
When to Call Immediately
Contact Millar Tree Care right away if:
A tree has fallen or is leaning dangerously
Cracks are visible in the trunk or major limbs
Branches are tangled in or near power lines
You’re unsure whether a damaged tree is safe to leave standing
Our team can respond quickly to evaluate the situation and help you decide the best course of action.
Protect Your Trees — and Your Peace of Mind
Winter in the South Okanagan brings beauty, but also responsibility. Your trees are living assets — and like anything of value, they need care and attention to thrive. Whether it’s preventative maintenance or emergency storm response, Millar Tree Care is here to help you protect what matters most.
Call Millar Tree Care today at (250) 809-5779 or visit millartreecare.com/contact.