Trimming trees, shrubs

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.

The ice storm was not bad for most of the plants because the ice that formed on the plants actually protected them from the cold. In Florida, the citrus growers spray water on their fruit when a cold snap is coming because the ice protects the fruit if the freezing temperatures stay above 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wind flowers (Anemone heterophylla) are among the first wildflowers to bloom in the spring. I was amused to see the white wind flowers in my backyard still nodding their heads although they were covered with ice. The water that came with the ice was welcomed. The hyacinths and narcissus greenery are coming to the surface of the ground. As the days lengthen, they will soon develop flowers. Here comes spring!