{"id":2688,"date":"2026-01-19T17:26:34","date_gmt":"2026-01-19T22:26:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/?p=2688"},"modified":"2026-01-19T18:03:03","modified_gmt":"2026-01-19T23:03:03","slug":"felling-dangerous-trees-snow-as-a-risk-factor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/news\/felling-dangerous-trees-snow-as-a-risk-factor\/","title":{"rendered":"Felling dangerous trees: snow as a risk factor"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"2688\" class=\"elementor elementor-2688 elementor-2687\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-61273b6e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"61273b6e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-67842415\" data-id=\"67842415\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7447a4bb elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7447a4bb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Quebec winters put trees to the test. The weight of snow and ice can turn a seemingly healthy tree into an immediate threat to your home, car or family.<\/p><p>Every year, branches break, trees collapse dangerously, and some fall completely after a storm, endangering people and their property. This guide will help you recognize the signs of a tree at risk during a snowstorm, and let you know when <a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/services\/tree-felling\/\">it&#8217; s time to cut down a dangerous tree<\/a> under the snow.<\/p><p>No need to be an expert: we simply explain what to look out for and when to call a professional.<\/p><h2><b>What you need to know quickly<\/b><\/h2><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Is this normal?<\/b> A tree can withstand a lot of snow, but certain signs indicate immediate danger<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>When to act?<\/b> After any major storm or if you notice split branches or a leaning trunk<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Who&#8217;s concerned?<\/b> Any homeowner with mature trees near buildings, parking lots or power lines<\/li><\/ul><h2><b>When does a snow-covered tree become dangerous?<\/b><\/h2><p>A healthy tree can withstand heavy snow loads. But several factors increase the risks during winter.<\/p><p><b>Signs of a tree at risk include:<\/b><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\">Split or partially broken main branches<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Trunk tilted more than 15 degrees after a storm<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Raised roots or cracked soil at the base of the tree<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Cracking audible in moderate winds<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Asymmetrical accumulation of snow or ice on a section<\/li><\/ul><p>Proximity to structures increases urgency. A tree leaning toward your house requires immediate assessment, even if it appears to be holding.<\/p><p>Softwood species (poplar, willow) and trees with several trunks are particularly vulnerable to the weight of snow.<\/p><p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2696\" title=\"Common mistakes to avoid\" src=\"http:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588-976x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Common mistakes to avoid\" width=\"600\" height=\"629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588-976x1024.jpg 976w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588-286x300.jpg 286w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588-768x805.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588-1465x1536.jpg 1465w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Les-erreurs-courantes-a-eviter-e1768861955588.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p><h2><b>Common mistakes to avoid<\/b><\/h2><p>Many owners make risky decisions by trying to manage the situation themselves.<\/p><p><b>Never do :<\/b><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\">Shake tree or hit branches to remove snow<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Climbing a tree laden with snow or ice<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Cutting major branches without <a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/services\/tree-felling\/\">professional assessment<\/a><\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Waiting &#8220;to see&#8221; if a split or leaning tree is still standing<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Using a ladder near an unstable tree<\/li><\/ul><p><b>Winter tree removal in Montreal<\/b> requires specialized equipment and expertise. Winter conditions (frozen ground, reduced visibility, slippery branches) complicate operations considerably.<\/p><p>According to the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.rbq.gouv.qc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> R\u00e9gie du b\u00e2timent du Qu\u00e9bec<\/a>, only <a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/about-us\/\">certified contractors<\/a> have the insurance and training required for these high-risk interventions.<\/p><h2><b>Quick decision<\/b><\/h2><table><tbody><tr><td><b>Observed situation<\/b><\/td><td><b>What it means<\/b><\/td><td><b>Recommended action<\/b><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Branches split but tree straight<\/td><td>Partial structural damage<\/td><td>Arborist inspection in 48 hours<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Tilted trunk after storm<\/td><td>Root system compromised<\/td><td>Urgent cuts required<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Audible cracking<\/td><td>Structure under extreme stress<\/td><td><b>Evacuate area, call immediately<\/b><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Heavy snow, healthy tree<\/td><td>Normal load<\/td><td>Monitoring after each storm<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Branches on electrical wires<\/td><td>Major electrical hazard<\/td><td>Call Hydro-Qu\u00e9bec + arborist<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2701\" title=\"When slaughter becomes the only option\" src=\"http:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"When slaughter becomes the only option\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option-1536x1153.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Quand-labattage-devient-il-la-seule-option.jpg 1999w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p><h2><b>When does slaughter become the only option?<\/b><\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/services\/tree-felling\/\"><b>Felling a dangerous tree<\/b><\/a><b> is<\/b> not always necessary. A certified arborist can often stabilize a tree with strategic bracing or pruning.<\/p><p><b>Felling is necessary in these cases:<\/b><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\">Trunk split vertically over more than 50% of its height<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Loosened root system with lifted soil<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Dead or diseased tree exposed under the weight of snow<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Dangerous tilt impossible to correct<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Critical proximity to housing (less than 5 meters)<\/li><\/ul><p>Paradoxically, winter offers certain advantages for felling. Frozen ground protects your property from heavy equipment damage. The absence of foliage makes it easier to assess the structure.<\/p><p>Professional arborists use cranes, ropes and dismantling techniques that enable safe felling even in confined spaces.<\/p><h2><b>How to protect your trees before winter<\/b><\/h2><p>Prevention considerably reduces the risk of winter emergencies.<\/p><p><b>Effective preventive action :<\/b><\/p><ul><li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/services\/pruning-2\/\">Maintenance pruning<\/a> in autumn to remove dead or weak branches<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Professional inspection of mature trees every 2-3 years<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/services\/guying\/\">Preventive bracing of<\/a> trees with weak forks or multiple trunks<\/li><li aria-level=\"1\">Increased surveillance after 40-50 cm of snow or ice<\/li><\/ul><p>The<a href=\"https:\/\/mffp.gouv.qc.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Minist\u00e8re des For\u00eats, de la Faune et des Parcs (Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks)<\/a> recommends that all trees over 10 metres tall located near buildings be assessed.<\/p><p>A modest preventive investment often avoids costly emergency interventions in the middle of a winter storm.<\/p><p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2070\" title=\"Arboritherapy How trees can improve your mental and physical well-being\" src=\"http:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arboritherapie-Comment-les-arbres-peuvent-ameliorer-votre-bien-etre-mental-et-physique-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"Arboritherapy How trees can improve your mental and physical well-being\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arboritherapie-Comment-les-arbres-peuvent-ameliorer-votre-bien-etre-mental-et-physique-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arboritherapie-Comment-les-arbres-peuvent-ameliorer-votre-bien-etre-mental-et-physique-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arboritherapie-Comment-les-arbres-peuvent-ameliorer-votre-bien-etre-mental-et-physique-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Arboritherapie-Comment-les-arbres-peuvent-ameliorer-votre-bien-etre-mental-et-physique.webp 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p><h2><b>Winter season highlights<\/b><\/h2><p>A tree can go from safe to dangerous in a matter of hours during a <b>snowstorm<\/b>. Your role is not to become an expert, but to recognize the signs that require professional assessment.<\/p><p><b>Felling a dangerous tree in winter<\/b> is a last resort. Most situations can be resolved by pruning or stabilization if you act quickly.<\/p><p>Your safety and that of your family come first. When in doubt, a professional inspection will give you the facts, and the options best suited to your situation.<\/p><h2><b>Need advice on assessing a tree at risk?<\/b><\/h2><p>If you notice any of the signs described after a storm, or if you&#8217;re concerned about a tree, <a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/about-us\/\">our team<\/a> can quickly assess the situation. We&#8217;ll clearly explain the real risks and possible solutions, without alarmism.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/contact\/\"><b>Contact Arboxyg\u00e8ne<\/b><\/a> for a winter assessment of your at-risk trees.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-41d611d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"41d611d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><b>Frequently asked questions<\/b><\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa58160 elementor-widget elementor-widget-accordion\" data-id=\"fa58160\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"accordion.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2621\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2621\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can I wait until spring if the tree seems to be holding on despite a crack?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2621\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"1\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2621\"><p>No. A large crack can expand with each freeze-thaw cycle. The tree may fall without warning during the next episode of wind or snow. Immediate assessment is required.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2622\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2622\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Does home insurance cover damage caused by a falling tree?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2622\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"2\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2622\"><p>Generally, yes, if the tree falls on your house. On the other hand, the insurance company may refuse if you were aware of the danger and didn&#8217;t act. Always document your inspections and interventions.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2623\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2623\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">How much snow can a tree withstand before it breaks?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2623\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"3\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2623\"><p>It depends on the species, age and structure. A healthy, mature maple tree is more resilient than an aging poplar. Horizontal branches break more easily than branches at a 45-degree angle.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2624\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2624\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Is it legal to cut down a large tree on my property in winter?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2624\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"4\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2624\"><p>Residential roofs are designed for 60-100 kg\/m\u00b2 according to the Building Code, i.e. about 60-90 cm of powder or 30-40 cm of wet snow. Capacity varies according to structure, age and roof type. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-accordion-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-title-2625\" class=\"elementor-tab-title\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"button\" aria-controls=\"elementor-tab-content-2625\" aria-expanded=\"false\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon elementor-accordion-icon-left\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-closed\"><i class=\"fas fa-plus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-accordion-icon-opened\"><i class=\"fas fa-minus\"><\/i><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-accordion-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Can a tree felled in winter be used as firewood immediately?<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-tab-content-2625\" class=\"elementor-tab-content elementor-clearfix\" data-tab=\"5\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"elementor-tab-title-2625\"><p>No. Wood needs to dry for a minimum of 6 to 12 months. On the other hand, felling in winter allows the wood to start drying immediately for use the following winter.  <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quebec winters put trees to the test. The weight of snow and ice can turn a seemingly healthy tree into an immediate threat to your home, car or family. Every year, branches break, trees collapse dangerously, and some fall completely after a storm, endangering people and their property. This guide will help you recognize the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":2692,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2688","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2688"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2688\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2722,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2688\/revisions\/2722"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2692"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2688"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2688"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arboxygene.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2688"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}