Upright evergreens can take a beating over the course of a winter such as the one we’re experiencing this year.  There are some things you can do to minimize the long term damage. Proper preparation is best thing to do in situations such as this, but it’s too late for that now, so let’s concentrate on what can be done now.

First you should gently brush off the snow, by hand or with a broom if extra reach is needed, from what would be the upper braches.  Then gently clear the snow away from lower braches.  Doing this should provide you with some immediate results and in some minor cases may be all that is required.  In most cases additional steps will be required.

In addition to the previous steps you may need to tie up some branches.  If the branches needing to be tied are smaller in size we suggest using garden tape.  This item allows you to tie up and return the piece to a more natural form without the danger of “girdling” the branches.  Girdling, to any degree is not good and should be avoided at all costs.  Girdling is even more of a concern when dealing with larger branches.  If larger branches do require tying we suggest using Arbor Tie and not using a heavy gauge rope or metal wire of any kind.  

In more severe cases, you may find you need to tie the entire piece and possibly use one or more stakes to pull the piece back to its upright position.

If your upright evergreens look anything like the ones pictured above, at least now you know all may not be lost, take some pictures and stop in today for some specific advice on your situation.