How to Prepare Your Trees for the Next Texas Freeze | Austin Winter Tree Care Guide
Central Texas homeowners know how unpredictable our winters can be — and the historic 2021 freeze proved just how destructive a severe cold snap can be.
Across Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Spicewood, and surrounding areas, thousands of trees suffered heavy damage: branches snapped, trunks split, and entire trees failed under the weight of ice.
If you want to protect your property from winter storm damage, now is the time to prepare your trees.
❄️ Why Do Trees Fail During Freezes in Central Texas?
Sudden freezing temperatures and ice buildup put extreme stress on trees, especially those that haven’t been regularly maintained. During a freeze:
Dead or weakened branches break easily
Overgrown canopies hold more ice, increasing weight
Diseased or stressed trees are more vulnerable to failure
Young or shallow-rooted trees can uproot in frozen ground
Without proper care, even healthy trees can suffer significant damage.
🌳 How to Reduce Tree Damage During Winter Freezes
Routine maintenance is the #1 way to protect your trees before harsh weather hits.
Professional pruning and inspections from a tree care company like Greenstar Tree & Land Services can help:
🪚 Remove dead, damaged, or weak branches
These are the first to break under the weight of ice.
🌲 Thin out dense canopies to reduce ice accumulation
Less density = less weight = less risk of limb failure.
🔍 Identify health or structural issues early
Arborists can spot cracks, decay, fungus, and stress indicators long before they become a hazard.
🧱 Protect your home, roof, and property
Proper pruning reduces the chance of branches falling on your home during freezing weather.
⚠️ Don’t Wait Until the Next Freeze
Once a freeze is forecast, it’s too late to safely prune or assess your trees.
Tree work should always be done before winter, while the weather is stable and trees are in a less stressed state.
Proactive maintenance helps prevent:
Roof damage
Broken limbs
Uprooted trees
Costly emergency removals
Power line hazards
Property damage to fences, vehicles, or structures
📞 Get a Free Winter Tree Assessment in Austin & Central Texas
At Greenstar Tree & Land Services, we help homeowners prepare their trees for freezes, storms, and Texas weather of any kind.
Our veteran-owned team serves:
Austin • Lakeway • Bee Cave • Spicewood • West Lake Hills • Barton Creek • Hudson Bend • Central Texas
Call or text (512) 939-9707 today for a free assessment.
Let’s keep your trees healthy, resilient, and storm-ready.