For many of our Southern friends, the winter ice storm this past week brought more than cold temperatures. Ice-laden branches, fallen limbs, and damaged shrubs have left yards looking unfamiliar and hearts feeling a little heavy. When a landscape you’ve cared for through the seasons is suddenly changed, it can be discouraging, especially as many communities are still cleaning up and finding their footing. If this storm affected your garden, please know you’re not alone. I am here to help you figure this out! With a steady, thoughtful triage-type approach and a little time, most trees and shrubs can recover, and this guide is here to help you take those next steps gently and with confidence.

This practical guide walks you through what to prune and when, best practices for caring for storm-damaged trees and shrubs, when to remove frost cloths, and how to set your garden up for a healthy spring.

Tommy and I are praying for everyone who faced losses in the path of this storm! We are here if you need anything!

XOXO,
Carmen

Step One: Start With Safety and Assessment

Before making any cuts, take time to assess the damage.

Safety first! This guide is for smaller limbs you can cut with a handsaw or loppers. Larger limbs that require a chainsaw need to be assessed by professionals. Always contact a professional tree-cutter if you do not feel safe removing limbs on your own.

Wait until ice has melted and branches are no longer slick before inspecting plants.
Look for hanging or cracked limbs that could fall and pose a safety risk.
Note which branches are fully broken versus those that are bent but still attached.
Avoid walking under damaged trees until hazards are removed.

If a large tree has split trunks, major limbs torn from the canopy, or branches near power lines, this is the time to call a certified arborist. Do NOT try to remove any limbs that are risky or unsafe by yourself.

What to Prune Immediately After a Storm

Some pruning is appropriate right away, especially when it improves safety and prevents further damage.

Remove broken, dangling, or jagged branches.
Cut back limbs that are clearly dead or snapped off completely.
Prune torn branches to a clean cut just outside the branch collar.
Remove branches resting on roofs, vehicles, or walkways.

Use sharp, clean tools and make deliberate cuts. Clean cuts heal faster and reduce the risk of disease.

What to Wait On Before Pruning

Not all storm damage needs immediate attention. In fact, waiting can be beneficial.

Bent branches that are still attached may rebound once temperatures warm.
Evergreen shrubs often look worse than they are and can green back up in spring.
Plants with browned or blackened foliage may still have healthy wood beneath the surface.

For most trees and shrubs, wait until late winter or early spring to evaluate what is truly dead. New growth will tell you exactly where to prune.

Best Practices for Pruning Trees and Shrubs

Trees are self-healing and will eventually form a hard protective barrier that will protect against diseases and rot, but correct pruning supports long-term plant health and structure. If you have lots of broken limbs on your trees, here is how to help them recover:

Prune with purpose, not emotion.
Follow the natural shape of the tree or shrub.
Never top trees or shear storm-damaged limbs randomly.
Make cuts at a 45 degree angle, close to the main trunk to encourage proper healing.
Step back often and look at the overall shape to avoid over-pruning.

When in doubt, less is more. You can always remove additional growth later.

When to Remove Frost Cloths

Frost cloths and coverings play an important role during extreme cold, but timing matters.

Remove coverings once temperatures consistently rise above freezing during the day.
Uncover plants during daylight hours to allow air circulation and sunlight.
Re-cover tender plants at night if additional freezes are expected.
Do not leave frost cloths on indefinitely, as this can trap moisture and encourage disease.

If foliage appears limp or discolored after uncovering, give plants time to recover before pruning.

Supporting Recovery After Winter Weather

Beyond pruning, a few simple practices help plants regain strength.

Avoid fertilizing until spring growth begins.
Water during dry winter periods when the ground is not frozen.
Apply mulch to regulate soil temperature and protect roots.
Monitor plants for delayed stress or dieback.

Healthy roots and stable soil conditions are just as important as what happens above ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I prune ice-damaged trees right away?

Only remove broken or dangerous branches immediately. Wait to do major shaping or corrective pruning until late winter or early spring when new growth reveals what is truly damaged.

How do I know if a branch is dead or just dormant?

Scratch the bark lightly with your fingernail. If the tissue underneath is green, the branch is alive. If it is brown and dry, it is likely dead.

Can ice-damaged shrubs recover on their own?

Many shrubs recover surprisingly well. Bent branches may straighten, and foliage that looks burned can be replaced with new growth once temperatures warm.

Is it okay to fertilize after a winter storm?

No. It is best to wait. Fertilizing too early can push tender growth that is vulnerable to additional cold. Hold off until spring.

When should I call a professional?

Call a certified arborist for large trees, split trunks, major limb failure, or any damage near structures or power lines.

A Calm, Steady Approach Pays Off

Winter storms can be unsettling, and with any type of major storm damage, recovery does not happen overnight. Careful assessment, selective pruning, and patience go a long way in restoring your landscape. By taking a measured approach now, you give your trees and shrubs the best chance to heal, grow, and thrive in the seasons ahead.