storm clean up – Coleman Tree Service

As the frost thaws and the first buds of spring appear in Pennsylvania, it’s time to look up. While most homeowners focus on their lawns and flower beds during the spring, your trees—the true anchors of your landscape—need just as much attention to thrive in the coming year.

A little proactive care now can prevent expensive emergencies later. Here are the top things every homeowner should consider as the seasons change, and how Coleman Tree Services can help you get your property into top shape.

1. Inspect for Winter Damage

Winter storms and heavy ice can be brutal on tree structures. Take a walk around your property and look for:

Dead or hanging branches: These are “widow-makers” that could fall at any time, especially during spring thunderstorms.
Cracks in the trunk: Deep splits can be a sign of internal stress or disease.
Leaning trees: If a tree looks like it shifted over the winter, the root system may be compromised by oversaturated soil.

How we help: Our team provides professional assessments. We can identify structural weaknesses that aren’t always visible to the untrained eye and recommend whether a tree needs pruning or, in some cases, safe removal.

2. Prioritize Strategic Pruning

Spring is the ideal window for “cleaning up” the canopy. Removing deadwood and thinning out overgrown branches does more than just make the tree look better; it improves airflow and allows sunlight to reach the inner leaves. This reduces the risk of fungal diseases that thrive in damp, stagnant spring air.

How we help: At Coleman Tree Services, we specialize in Tree Trimming & Pruning. We use professional-grade equipment (including cranes for those hard-to-reach spots) to shape your trees safely without damaging the bark or surrounding property.

3. Clear the Debris (The “True” Cleanup)

Leaves, twigs, and fallen limbs often pile up at the base of your trees during the winter. If left alone, this debris traps moisture against the trunk, creating a breeding ground for mold, rot, and wood-boring pests.

How we help: We don’t just cut and leave. Our spring cleanup services include clearing away debris and offering Firewood & Mulch Delivery. We can even turn those fallen branches into fresh mulch for your garden beds!

4. Don’t Forget the Stumps

If you have old stumps from last year’s removals, spring is the best time to handle them. Stumps are a magnet for termites and ants, and they can be a major headache once you start mowing your lawn again.

How we help: We offer Stump Grinding & Removal. Our machines can fit through a standard 36” gate, allowing us to grind down unsightly stumps anywhere on your property so you can plant fresh grass or flowers in their place.

5. Feed and Mulch

After a long dormancy, trees are hungry for nutrients. Applying a fresh layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature as the weather warms up. Just remember the “donut, not the volcano” rule—never pile mulch directly against the trunk!

Let Coleman Tree Services Handle the Heavy Lifting

Your home is your biggest investment, and your trees are a huge part of its value and curb appeal. Don’t spend your weekends hauling heavy branches or risking a fall on a ladder.

Whether you need a full property cleanup, emergency limb removal, or just some expert advice on the health of your oaks and maples, Coleman Tree Services is here for you. We’ve been serving the Main Line, Delaware County, and Montgomery County area for over 50 years with reliable, friendly, and fully insured service.

Ready to start your spring cleanup? Click here to get a Free Estimate or call us today at 610-664-5052. Let’s get your landscape ready for a beautiful summer!

When a major winter storm is on the horizon, the weight of ice and snow can turn a beautiful canopy into a liability. While long-term care is the best defense, there are several immediate actions you can take to protect your property and help your trees survive the freeze.

Here is a homeowner’s guide to preparing for a winter storm.

1. The Pre-Storm Checklist

If the storm is still a day or two away, focus on these high-impact “triage” steps:

Inspect for “Ticking Time Bombs”: Look for dead wood, hollow cavities, or deep cracks in trunks. If you see a large, dead branch hanging over your roof or car, consider calling an emergency arborist immediately.
Water Your Trees: It sounds counterintuitive, but moist soil stays warmer than dry soil. A deep soak before the ground freezes helps prevent “winter burn” (dehydration), especially for evergreens.
Mulch the Root Zone: Apply 2–4 inches of wood chips or bark around the base (but not touching the trunk). This acts as an insulating blanket for the roots against the “freeze-thaw” cycle.
Tie Up Small Evergreens: Multi-stemmed shrubs like Arborvitae or Boxwoods are prone to “splaying” (splitting open) under heavy snow. Use soft twine or strips of burlap to loosely wrap the branches together, keeping them upright and compact.

2. During the Storm: The “Golden Rule”

Once the ice and snow start falling, your priority shifts from maintenance to safety.

The Golden Rule: If your trees are covered in ice, leave them alone. Ice is heavy and makes wood brittle; trying to knock it off or “shake” a limb can cause it to snap instantly, potentially injuring you or damaging the tree further.

If it’s just heavy, wet snow:

The Upward Sweep: Use a broom to gently brush snow off branches. Always use an upward motion. Pushing down or shaking the branch adds sudden stress that causes breakage.
Bottom-to-Top: Start clearing snow from the bottom branches first. If you start at the top, the falling snow will just overload the lower branches.

3. Protecting Your Trees from Salt

Road salt (sodium chloride) is a silent killer for trees. It draws moisture out of roots and can cause “leaf burn” in the spring.

Use Alternatives: Switch to calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or sand for your own walkways.
Create Barriers: if your trees are near a busy road, a temporary burlap screen can block salty slush from being sprayed onto the foliage.
Avoid Piling: Never shovel salty snow from your driveway onto the root zone of your trees.

4. Post-Storm Recovery

After the clouds clear, assess the damage safely.

Don’t Rush to Prune: If a branch is bent but not broken, wait. Trees are remarkably resilient and will often “spring back” once the weight melts.
Clean Cuts: If a branch did snap, it needs a clean prune back to the “branch collar” (the raised bump where the branch meets the trunk). This helps the tree seal the wound and prevents rot.
Stay Clear of Power Lines: Never attempt to prune or move a branch that is touching or near a utility line. Call your local power company immediately.