When the first winter weather forecast hits Middle Tennessee, you might glance at your trees and wonder: “Are these going to make it through ice storm season?” It’s a question that crosses the mind of nearly every Nashville homeowner who’s lived through a bad ice storm.
Here’s the thing—by the time ice is coating your branches, it’s too late to do much except hope for the best and keep our emergency number handy. The real protection happens now, before winter weather arrives.
I’ve been doing tree work throughout Nashville and Goodlettsville since 1989, and I can tell you that the damage I see after major ice storms is almost always preventable. Trees don’t just randomly fail during winter weather. The branches that come down are usually the ones that were already compromised—we just didn’t know it yet.
With over 35 years of experience as ISA Certified Arborists, we’ve learned exactly what to look for and how to prepare your trees for whatever winter throws at us. Let me walk you through how to protect your property before the next ice storm hits.
Why Winter Storms Are So Dangerous for Nashville Trees
Middle Tennessee doesn’t get the heavy snow that northern states deal with, but what we do get might be worse for trees: ice accumulation.
When freezing rain coats your branches, the weight adds up fast. A half-inch of ice on a large oak can add thousands of pounds of weight to the canopy. Even healthy branches weren’t designed to hold that kind of load, and weak or damaged branches don’t stand a chance.
The trees most at risk in neighborhoods like Belle Meade, Green Hills, and East Nashville are typically the mature hardwoods that give our city so much character. These large oaks, maples, and tulip poplars can cause significant damage when branches fail—or worse, when entire trees come down on homes, cars, or power lines.
What makes this particularly tricky is that ice doesn’t just weigh down branches. It changes how wind interacts with your tree. A branch that normally lets wind pass through becomes a solid surface when coated in ice, catching wind like a sail. That combination of weight and wind resistance is what brings down so many trees during winter storms.
Which Nashville Trees Are Most Vulnerable to Ice Damage
Not all trees handle ice the same way. Some species are naturally more flexible and resilient, while others are brittle and prone to breakage.
High-Risk Trees Common in Nashville:
Bradford pears top the list. If you have Bradford pears on your property in Green Hills or Brentwood, they should be your first priority for evaluation. These trees have weak branch structure and split easily under ice load. Many tree experts, including ISA Certified Arborists like our team, recommend removing Bradford pears before they become a problem.
Red oaks and white oaks are generally strong, but older specimens with decay or previous damage are vulnerable. The historic oaks in neighborhoods like Belle Meade require special attention—these heritage trees are irreplaceable, so preventive care is crucial.
Silver maples and box elders have brittle wood that snaps easily under ice weight. These fast-growing trees are common in newer developments throughout Nashville and Goodlettsville, and they often need regular maintenance to stay safe.
Lower-Risk Trees:
Sugar maples, when healthy, handle ice reasonably well. Their flexible branches can bend under weight without breaking. Dogwoods and redbuds are small enough that ice damage rarely threatens structures, though they may need cleanup after storms. Southern magnolias have strong wood and often weather ice storms better than most.
For immediate help evaluating your trees before winter weather arrives, call 615-200-5523. We provide FREE estimates and can identify which trees on your property need attention.
Pre-Winter Tree Inspection: What to Look For
You don’t need to be an arborist to spot obvious problems, but knowing what to look for can help you identify trees that need professional evaluation.
Walk your property and look up. Many homeowners never really look at their trees until something goes wrong. Take 20 minutes to walk around your property and examine each major tree.
Dead branches are the biggest red flag. If you see branches without bark, or branches that didn’t leaf out last spring, those are dead and will likely fall during the first ice storm. Dead wood is brittle and can’t flex under ice weight like living wood can.
Look for hanging branches or “widow makers.” These are branches that have already partially broken but haven’t fallen yet. They’re caught in the canopy, waiting for the next storm to bring them down. This is extremely dangerous and requires immediate professional removal.
Check for cracks or splits in major limbs. Walk around the trunk and look up into the canopy. Any visible cracks where branches meet the trunk are failure points waiting to happen. These often occur in trees with multiple leaders or poor branch structure.
Examine trees near structures carefully. Any large branches overhanging your house, garage, cars, or power lines deserve extra scrutiny. Even if they look healthy, consider whether you want them there when ice season hits. Professional tree trimming can remove the risk while keeping the tree healthy.
V-shaped branch unions are weaker than U-shaped ones. This is a structural issue ISA Certified Arborists look for. Branches that form tight V-angles with the trunk are more likely to split than branches with wider, U-shaped angles.
If you’re unsure about anything you see, that’s exactly when to call in professionals. At New Horizon Tree Service, we’ve been evaluating Nashville trees since 1989, and we can quickly identify which concerns are urgent and which can wait. Our inspections come with FREE estimates for any work needed.
The Benefits of Pre-Winter Tree Trimming
December is actually one of the best times for tree trimming in Nashville. The dormant season offers several advantages that make winter the preferred time for ISA Certified Arborists to work.
Trees are dormant and won’t be stressed. When leaves are gone and sap flow is minimal, pruning cuts heal better. The tree isn’t trying to support active growth, so it can focus energy on sealing wounds properly.
We can see the actual structure. Without leaves in the way, we can see exactly how branches are attached, where weak points exist, and how weight is distributed. This visibility lets us make better decisions about what needs removal.
Less mess and faster cleanup. No leaves means easier cleanup of trimmed branches. Work goes faster, which can mean cost savings for you.
Reduced disease transmission. Many tree diseases spread through fresh cuts when insects are active. In winter, with insects dormant and many pathogens inactive, the risk of disease transmission drops significantly.
Timing is everything. Get this work done in December or January, before ice season peaks in February, and you’ll sleep better during winter weather warnings.
The key is removing the right branches. We don’t just cut everything back—that weakens trees. Instead, ISA Certified Arborists use selective pruning to remove dead wood, eliminate weak branch unions, and reduce ice-catching weight in the canopy while maintaining the tree’s natural structure and health.
For properties in East Nashville, Germantown, or Sylvan Park where trees overhang houses or power lines, this pre-winter trimming is especially important. The investment in professional tree service in Nashville now is far less than repairing a damaged roof or vehicle after a storm.
Emergency Preparation: Before the Storm Hits
When ice is forecast for Nashville, there’s still time to prepare—though your options are more limited than if you’d planned ahead.
Clear the danger zones. Move vehicles away from under trees. If you have a Bradford pear leaning over your driveway in Brentwood, park on the street that night. Move lawn furniture, grills, and anything valuable away from under large branches.
Know where your main electrical panel is. If a tree damages your service line, you may need to shut off power quickly. Locate your panel and make sure you can access it safely.
Have our number ready: 615-200-5523. New Horizon Tree Service offers 24/7 emergency tree service, and we’ve been responding to storm damage calls throughout Middle Tennessee for over 35 years. When a tree comes down on your house at 2 AM during an ice storm, you want ISA Certified Arborists who know Nashville trees and can respond quickly.
Never approach downed power lines. If a tree takes down power lines, stay back and call the utility company first. Once they’ve secured the power lines, then call us for tree removal. Electricity can travel through wet wood, making this extremely dangerous.
Document everything for insurance. Take photos of trees before storms and after any damage. Your homeowner’s insurance often covers tree removal when a tree damages a structure, but documentation helps with claims.
Don’t wait until the forecast. Here’s the reality—when ice is predicted, tree services in Nashville get slammed with calls. If you wait until the day before a storm, we might not be able to get to you in time. The time to prepare is now, on a clear December day when we can safely assess your trees and schedule preventive work.
What to Do After Ice Storm Damage
Despite your best preparation, sometimes branches still come down. Here’s what to do if you wake up to ice damage.
Stay safe first. Don’t go outside during active ice storms. Branches are still falling, and ice-covered surfaces are treacherous. Wait until conditions improve.
Assess from a distance. Once it’s safe to go outside, look at the damage from the ground. Don’t try to climb on anything or pull down hanging branches yourself—that’s when people get hurt.
Call professionals for anything significant. At New Horizon Tree Service, we’re licensed, bonded, and insured for exactly these situations. Our team has the equipment and expertise to safely remove damaged branches or entire trees, even when conditions are difficult.
Small branches on the ground can wait. If you just have some small twigs and branches scattered on your lawn, those can be picked up whenever convenient. The urgent issues are hanging branches (widow makers), trees leaning on structures, or damage near power lines.
Don’t try to cut large branches yourself. Branches under tension from ice or hanging in the canopy can spring violently when cut. This is dangerous work that requires professional equipment and training.
We serve all of Nashville, Goodlettsville, and surrounding areas with 24/7 emergency response. Whether you’re in Belle Meade dealing with a damaged heritage oak or in East Nashville with storm cleanup needs, we’re here to help.
Your Pre-Winter Tree Care Checklist
Here’s your action plan for protecting your property before ice season arrives:
This Week:
- Walk your property and visually inspect all large trees
- Note any dead branches, hanging limbs, or obvious problems
- Take photos of trees near structures for future reference
- Clear any debris from under trees that could hide hazards
This Month:
- Schedule a professional inspection with ISA Certified Arborists
- Get FREE estimates for any needed trimming or removal
- Complete preventive tree work before January
- Verify your homeowner’s insurance coverage for tree damage
Before the First Freeze:
- Save our emergency number (615-200-5523) in your phone
- Move vehicles away from risky trees when ice is forecast
- Know how to shut off power if needed
- Have a plan for 24/7 emergency tree service
The homeowners who sleep well during ice storm warnings are the ones who prepared in advance. Don’t wait until Nashville is under an ice storm warning to think about your trees.
FAQ: Winter Storm Tree Preparation in Nashville
How much does pre-winter tree trimming cost in Nashville?
The cost varies based on tree size, number of branches to remove, and access difficulty. Most residential trimming jobs range from $300 to $1,500 per tree, but we provide FREE estimates so you know exactly what to expect. Pre-winter trimming is typically less expensive than emergency storm damage removal, and it’s far cheaper than repairing damage to your home. Call 615-200-5523 for a free assessment of your property.
When is the best time to trim trees before winter in Middle Tennessee?
December and early January are ideal for pre-winter tree work in Nashville. Trees are fully dormant, which means less stress on the tree and better healing of pruning cuts. It’s also before the peak ice storm season (typically late January through February) but after fall leaf drop, so we have clear visibility of the tree structure. As ISA Certified Arborists with 35+ years of experience, we know Tennessee’s seasonal patterns and can time work for optimal results.
Can I trim my own trees to prepare for winter storms?
Small branches you can reach from the ground with hand tools are generally safe for homeowners to trim. However, anything requiring a ladder, power tools, or any work near power lines should be left to licensed professionals. The risk of injury from falls, equipment accidents, or cutting branches under tension isn’t worth the savings. Plus, improper pruning can actually weaken trees and create more problems. New Horizon Tree Service is licensed, bonded, and insured specifically because tree work involves real risks. We’ve been doing this safely since 1989.
Do you offer emergency tree service during ice storms in Nashville?
Yes, New Horizon Tree Service provides 24/7 emergency response throughout Nashville, Goodlettsville, and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas. We’ve been responding to storm damage calls since 1989, and our team is equipped to handle emergencies safely even in difficult conditions. Call 615-200-5523 anytime, day or night. However, the best approach is preventive—addressing risky trees before storms arrive means you’re less likely to need emergency service.
Protect Your Nashville Property This Winter
Winter ice storms are a reality of living in Middle Tennessee. You can’t control the weather, but you can control whether your trees are ready for it.
The Nashville homeowners who avoid storm damage aren’t just lucky—they’re prepared. They identified risky trees in December, not during an ice storm warning in February. They called ISA Certified Arborists for professional assessments when the weather was still clear and work could be scheduled calmly.
At New Horizon Tree Service, we’ve been protecting Nashville properties through winter weather since 1989. With over 35 years of experience, ISA certification, and a 4.7-star rating from 70+ satisfied customers, we’re Nashville’s #1 tree service for a reason. We know Middle Tennessee trees, we know winter storms, and we know how to prepare your property to weather whatever comes.
Whether you’re in Belle Meade with mature heritage trees, Green Hills with large suburban oaks, Brentwood, Franklin, Hendersonville, or anywhere across Davidson County, we’re here to help. Our team serves the entire Nashville area with professional tree care backed by decades of experience.
Don’t wait for the next ice storm warning to take action. Call New Horizon Tree Service at 615-200-5523 today for a FREE estimate. We’ll assess your trees, identify any risks, and provide clear recommendations for protecting your property this winter.
Licensed, bonded, and insured. ISA Certified Arborists. Trusted throughout Nashville since 1989. Available 24/7 for emergencies.
Your trees—and your property—will thank you when the next winter storm rolls through Middle Tennessee.
