The holidays in Goodlettsville bring beautiful traditions—decorating homes, hosting family gatherings, and enjoying the season with loved ones. But December also brings unique tree-related risks that many homeowners don’t consider until something goes wrong.
Ice storms during Christmas week. Heavy snow weighing down branches over driveways where children play. Dead limbs that have been ignored all year suddenly becoming hazards when holiday guests park underneath them. These aren’t hypothetical scenarios—they’re situations Tree Service New Horizon responds to every holiday season throughout Middle Tennessee.
Since 1989, we’ve been helping Goodlettsville families keep their properties safe during the holidays. As ISA Certified Arborists with over 35 years of experience, we understand how winter weather and holiday activities create specific tree hazards that don’t exist other times of the year.
Here’s how professional tree care protects your family during the Christmas season, what hazards to watch for, and when to call for help before small concerns become dangerous situations.
Why Trees Become More Dangerous During the Holidays
The Christmas season creates unique conditions that increase tree risks around Goodlettsville homes.
Ice Storm Season Peaks During December
Middle Tennessee’s worst ice storms typically hit between late December and early February. Ice accumulation adds tremendous weight to branches—a half-inch coating can add several thousand pounds to a large oak’s canopy.
Branches that held all year suddenly snap under ice weight. Trees already weakened by disease or previous storm damage are particularly vulnerable. When ice storms hit during Christmas week, they catch families unprepared with guests visiting and normal routines disrupted.
Professional tree trimming Goodlettsville before the holidays removes weak branches and reduces ice-catching weight in tree canopies. This preventive work, done in early December, dramatically reduces storm damage risk throughout winter.
More People Outside in Dangerous Areas
During holidays, your property sees more activity. Children play in areas they normally don’t access. Guests park under trees you usually avoid. Family gatherings mean people walking in and out of your home under branches that might not be obvious hazards.
A dead branch that you’ve been meaning to address becomes an immediate concern when it’s hanging over where your sister-in-law parks every Christmas morning. Trees you’ve learned to navigate safely become hazards for visitors unfamiliar with your property’s risks.
Holiday Decorating Creates New Hazards
Hanging Christmas lights on trees, placing decorations in branches, or decorating around trunks means close contact with trees you might normally keep distance from. Many homeowners discover dead branches, hanging limbs, or structural problems only when they’re up close decorating.
Outdoor decorations also add weight to branches. While a string of lights won’t break healthy limbs, it can be the final stress on branches already compromised by decay or previous damage. We see this particularly with Bradford pears and silver maples—weak-wooded species common throughout Goodlettsville neighborhoods.
Pre-Holiday Tree Hazard Assessment for Goodlettsville Homes
Smart homeowners address tree hazards before the holiday season begins. Here’s what we look for during pre-Christmas assessments.
Dead or Dying Branches Over Activity Areas
We identify dead wood throughout the canopy, particularly over driveways, walkways, patios, and areas where people gather. Dead branches don’t bend under ice—they snap. Removing them before winter storms eliminates this risk entirely.
ISA Certified Arborists can spot dead wood even without leaves. We look for bark that’s loose or missing, lack of small twigs, and brittle texture. This expertise matters because a branch that looks fine to a homeowner may be obviously dead to a trained eye.
Weak Branch Unions That Could Split
Trees with multiple trunks or branches that form narrow V-shaped angles are prone to splitting. Under ice load or wind stress, these weak unions fail. The timing is often catastrophic—during storms when you can’t immediately address the damage.
We evaluate branch structure and recommend either removing problematic branches before they fail or installing cables to support weak unions. For valuable trees in established Goodlettsville neighborhoods, cabling can preserve trees while eliminating failure risk.
Trees Overhanging Homes and Structures
Branches touching roofs or hanging directly over homes are prime candidates for pre-holiday trimming. Even healthy branches can break under ice weight, and if they’re over your house, that’s where they’ll land.
We establish proper clearance—typically 6-10 feet between branches and structures. This protects your roof from damage and eliminates the stress of wondering whether branches will hold during every winter storm. For immediate pre-holiday assessment, call 615-200-5523 for a FREE evaluation.
Emergency Tree Service During the Holiday Season
Despite best preparation, emergencies happen. We provide 24/7 response throughout the holidays because tree damage doesn’t wait for convenient timing.
Christmas Week Storm Response
When ice storms or high winds hit during Christmas week, we maintain full emergency crews. While other companies shut down for holidays, tree damage continues—often worsens—during winter weather events.
Our response prioritizes situations where people are at immediate risk or where storm damage has made homes uninhabitable. Trees on houses, blocking driveways when people need to leave for emergencies, or hanging branches threatening areas where children play all receive immediate attention.
We serve all of Goodlettsville and surrounding communities including Nashville, Hendersonville, and Brentwood with the same 24/7 emergency availability during holidays.
Coordination with Holiday Plans
Emergency tree work during the holidays requires sensitivity to family gatherings and celebrations. When possible, we work around your schedule—addressing immediate hazards while minimizing disruption to Christmas activities.
For situations that aren’t life-threatening but still require prompt attention, we offer next-day service throughout the holiday season. A branch that broke overnight but isn’t threatening structures can often wait until morning while families enjoy Christmas dinner.
Protecting Outdoor Holiday Decorations from Tree Damage
Holiday decorations represent significant investment and sentimental value. Tree work can protect both decorations and the structures they adorn.
Safe Zones for Holiday Displays
Before decorating, we can identify which areas around your property are safest from falling branches. This guidance helps you place inflatables, light displays, and yard decorations where they won’t be damaged by ice-loaded branches or winter storms.
For trees you want to use in holiday displays, we assess whether they’re structurally sound enough to support decorations safely. A tree that looks fine might have hidden decay that makes hanging lights or ornaments risky.
Clearance for Roof Decorations
Roof-mounted decorations, lights along gutters, and other elevated displays need clearance from overhanging branches. Pre-holiday tree removal or trimming creates this clearance while improving your home’s safety year-round.
Many Goodlettsville homeowners discover that addressing tree issues for holiday decorating provides lasting benefits—better roof access for maintenance, improved home appearance, and reduced insurance risk from branches threatening structures.
Winter Tree Maintenance That Protects Holiday Gatherings
Strategic tree work in November and December prepares your property for safe holiday entertaining.
Parking Area Safety
When you host holiday gatherings, guests park throughout your property. Trees with dead branches over these parking areas become liability concerns. Professional stump grinding also eliminates tripping hazards in areas guests use to access your home.
We assess parking areas and recommend trimming or removal for trees that pose risks. This work also improves curb appeal—important when hosting holiday visitors and potentially valuable if you’re considering selling your home.
Pathway and Walkway Clearance
Low-hanging branches over walkways become more dangerous in winter when ice makes surfaces slippery. Guests hurrying to get inside during cold weather aren’t watching for branches at head height.
We establish 8-foot clearance over walkways and paths. This protects guests and reduces your liability if someone is injured on your property. For comprehensive holiday preparation, our tree service in Goodlettsville includes full property assessment and recommendations for all hazard areas.
View Protection for Security Cameras and Outdoor Lighting
Holiday season sees increased package deliveries and more valuable items in homes. Security cameras and motion-sensor lights provide protection, but overgrown trees can block their effectiveness.
We can trim trees to restore clear sight lines for security systems while maintaining tree health and aesthetics. This practical benefit combines with holiday preparation to make late-fall tree work particularly valuable.
What Goodlettsville Families Should Know About Holiday Tree Risks
Understanding specific risks helps you make informed decisions about holiday season tree care.
The Bradford Pear Problem
Bradford pears are everywhere in Goodlettsville neighborhoods. They were planted extensively by builders 15-25 years ago for fast growth and spring flowers. But by age 15-20, they become structurally unsound with weak wood that splits easily.
Ice storms devastate Bradford pears. Their upright branch structure catches ice effectively, and the weak wood can’t support the load. If you have Bradford pears near your home or over areas where people gather, consider removal before they fail. Our small tree removal service can handle these quickly and affordably.
When to Schedule vs. When to Call Emergency
Not every tree concern requires immediate emergency service. Dead branches that have been there for months can be scheduled for removal—you don’t need to pay emergency rates.
However, if a storm damages trees, branches are hanging dangerously, or trees are leaning toward structures, that’s when to call 615-200-5523 immediately for 24/7 emergency response. We help you determine which category your situation falls into.
Insurance Considerations During Holidays
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers tree removal when trees damage insured structures. However, preventive removal of hazardous trees isn’t usually covered—you pay for that yourself.
The economics favor prevention. Removing a hazardous tree costs $800-1,500 on average. Repairing a roof damaged by that tree falling costs $5,000-15,000. Even with insurance coverage, deductibles and rate increases make prevention the better financial choice.
Schedule Your Pre-Holiday Tree Work Today
The best time for holiday tree preparation is November and early December—before ice storms threaten and while scheduling is still flexible.
New Horizon Tree Service has been protecting Goodlettsville families since 1989. Our ISA Certified Arborists provide expert assessment of tree hazards, professional trimming and removal services, and 24/7 emergency response when unexpected situations arise.
We’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured with the professional equipment and experience to handle any tree situation safely. Whether you need preventive trimming before holiday guests arrive or emergency service after winter storms, we’re here to help.
Call 615-200-5523 today for your FREE estimate. We’ll assess your property, identify any hazards, and provide clear recommendations for protecting your family during the Christmas season and beyond.
We also serve surrounding communities including Franklin, Nashville, and all of Middle Tennessee with the same commitment to quality and safety that’s defined our company for over 35 years.
Don’t let tree hazards threaten your holiday celebrations. Professional tree care provides peace of mind so you can focus on what matters—enjoying the season with family and friends.
Quick FAQs: Holiday Tree Safety in Goodlettsville
When should I have trees trimmed before Christmas?
November and early December are ideal. This timing allows trees to seal pruning cuts before harsh winter weather while getting work done before holiday schedules become hectic. Call 615-200-5523 to schedule your FREE assessment.
Do you provide emergency service on Christmas Day?
Yes, New Horizon Tree Service maintains 24/7 emergency response throughout the holidays including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and all other holidays. Tree emergencies don’t wait for convenient timing.
How much does pre-holiday tree trimming cost?
Costs vary based on tree size and work needed, typically $200-900 per tree for standard trimming. We provide FREE estimates with transparent pricing—no hidden fees. Prevention costs far less than emergency storm damage removal.
Call 615-200-5523 today for your FREE estimate. We’ll assess your property, identify any hazards, and provide clear recommendations for protecting your family during the Christmas season and beyond.
