Boughs bending with the snow
Austrian pine
When the snow bends the boughs of a tree, if the branch is not “damaged”, but “stressed”, will it spring back? Does it ultimately make it stronger? - Tim -
Tip of the Week
Austrian pine
When the snow bends the boughs of a tree, if the branch is not “damaged”, but “stressed”, will it spring back? Does it ultimately make it stronger? - Tim -
Jo Co Master Gardener
2 months, 3 weeks agoIf the branch is not damaged, let the snow fall off naturally, and it will gradually rise. It is best not to knock off the snow, as doing so could cause the branch to snap back up with such force as to break it. Your pine should be fine.
No, the snow does not make the branch/tree stronger. Strength depends on the type of wood, density, health of the tree, etc. As a young tree grows, the wind causes the tree to strengthen, that is why if a young tree is staked, it must be done loosely, with the stake taken off the second season.
Hope this helps. Carole Johnson County Extension Master Gardener