Ice storms can have a major impact on the Maine landscape, through damage to both natural and planted plants. We won't know the damage caused to our perennials and lawns until the heavy layer of ice melts in the spring, but we can assess some of the damage to our woody trees and shrubs now. Trees are most people's immediate concern, because of their visibility above the snow, importance in the landscape, high value and vulnerability to heavy ice loads. Trees are, however, very resilient and regenerative. Many trees will lose limbs, but most will survive, produce healthy new growth and live for many years.
Trees are very resilient and regenerative.
Many trees will lose limbs, but most will survive, produce healthy new growth and live for many years. If any tree limbs are bent or broken near electrical wires, call the power company. Do not try to remove these limbs yourself. Remember that limbs bent over with ice and hanging below power lines may snap upward when the ice is removed, and may then come into contact with the power lines. If you can reach other tree limbs that are in the way, either for driving or walking or because they pose a threat to a building, remove them.