In 2022, we had our trees trimmed at our house because many of the oaks had low branches that made mowing and driving under them difficult. The utility company trimmed many branches that were too close to the telephone and electric wires.
Feb. 1, we had our ice storm. Mother Nature proceeded to further trim the branches by coating the many leaves with ice. The heavier branches broke.
As I walk around our neighborhood, I notice it is mainly the trees and shrubs that still have leaves that suffered limb loss. The deciduous trees and shrubs were caked with ice, but few limbs were lost. Our native Escarpment Oaks and Juniperus ashei (commonly called cedar) had the most damage. However, I would guess that these plants will continue to live. My main concern for our oaks is the exposed wood from the torn limbs where oak wilt could become established.
