





Ever look at the snow on trees in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region and wonder how trees can handle so much weight? Trees have natural adaptions that protect them from snapping under excess snow weight. Understanding these adaptations can help you take the right steps to support your trees during the winter months.
Key Takeaways
- Coniferous trees have developed unique adaptations like flexible branches, needle structure, and conical shapes that help them withstand heavy snow without breaking.
- Despite these natural features, snow – especially wet snow – can still cause damage to trees, and it’s important to inspect trees after storms for potential harm.
- Pruning weak branches, adding structural support, and removing hazardous trees can help prevent snow-related damage and protect your property.
- Always exercise caution when inspecting trees after a snowstorm, as weakened branches may snap unexpectedly, posing a risk to you and your property.
How Trees Hold Snow Without Their Branches Breaking
It’s quite a marvel to head outside after a massive snowstorm and see the snow on trees. We’re no stranger to winter storms in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region (with some significant snowstorms hitting as late as May). So, how do trees hold all that extra weight anyway?
Trees have adapted to the greater Truckee-Tahoe region over millions of years. This is true in two ways. Firstly, the trees here have survived over time and propagated their species while other species died out. Secondly, these trees developed ways to combat the snow and cold in Lake Tahoe.
Most of the trees we have in our area are coniferous. Take a walk throughout your neighborhood, and you’ll likely find a variety of evergreen species, including:
- White firs
- Jefferey pines
- California incense-cedars
- Sugar pines
- Aspens
How Coniferous Trees Have Adapted to Handle Snow Weight
Over time, coniferous trees have developed several unique adaptations that help them survive snowy environments. These natural features allow them to withstand heavy snowfall without sustaining damage. Some adaptations include:
- Needle Structure: Unlike deciduous trees, coniferous tree needles are designed to shed snow more efficiently. Their thin, needle-like shape doesn’t hold onto snow, allowing it to slide off, reducing the weight on the branches.
- Flexible Branches: Coniferous trees, particularly pines, have flexible branches that bend under the weight of snow without breaking. As the snow accumulates, the branches bend and drop the excess, and once the snow melts, the tree returns to its original shape.
- Conical Shape: The natural conical shape of many coniferous trees helps direct snow to slide off the branches, preventing it from settling and adding weight. This unique shape allows snow to easily fall off, reducing the risk of branch breakage.
One important thing to remember is that not all snow is the same. Wet snow weighs much more than powdery snow. Wet snow is also harder for a tree to shake off, as it tends to stick to the branches. Even with the natural adaptions of trees, they may not be able to handle heavy, wet snow.
How Much Snow Weighs on Your Tree’s Branches
How much snow weight a tree can hold will depend on several factors, such as the tree’s species, condition, and age. A young tree or one with weak branches is less able to handle heavy snow than established trees with only strong branches.
Generally, most mature trees can handle 10 to 20 pounds of snow per cubic foot.

Pruning before the winter can make your tree more resilient to snow storms.
Trees Are Not Invincible
Despite their natural advantages and adaptions, snow can still break branches in the winter. These branches may still remain weakly attached to the tree or come tumbling down.
After a snowfall, always use caution around any trees on your property. A tree’s branches may be hanging by a thread and could snap at any time. If you want to inspect your tree for snow and ice damage, handle it from a safe distance or call an arborist to handle the job.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Trees and Property
Trees are just like us – sometimes, they need a little help. While your trees can handle most of the work in standing up to heavy snow, there are a few services we recommend to help them along, such as:
- Prune Weak Branches: Dead, diseased, and broken branches are much less resilient than healthy ones. It’s better to prune a branch than to let it break, as broken branches can rip off surrounding bark from a tree. Pruning also will reduce the risk of injuries or damage from broken branches. Make pruning deadwood part of your regular fall tree care routine.
- Install Cables and Braces: Having an arborist perform tree cabling and bracing can help support sections of your tree that can’t stand up to the weight of winter snow. If you’ve already had cables installed in your trees previously, it’s always a good idea to have an arborist inspect if you need new ones. Structural support wears down over time, and trees may outgrow the current support systems.
- Remove Weak Trees: Sometimes, a tree reaches the end of its life, and the only thing to do is to remove the tree. Removing dead or severely diseased trees will protect your family and property from falling branches or an uprooted tree.
Frequently Asked Questions About Snow on Your Trees
Should I knock the snow off of my trees?
You should not remove snow from your tree’s branches in the winter. While it may be tempting to try and help your tree along, it is typically unnecessary. You also put yourself at risk, as ice mixed with the snow can injure you on the way down.
Should I check on my trees after a snowstorm?
Yes, it is beneficial to check on your trees after a snowstorm. However, always use caution when inspecting a tree with snow on it. Some branches may be weak and could snap off. Never go under a tree during or after a storm.
Does pruning make my trees totally safe?
No, pruning does not make a tree 100 percent safe. Pruning can reduce the risk of branches breaking off but cannot remove all risks. Removal is the only way to make a tree 100 percent safe.
Arbor Solutions Can Help Your Snow-Covered Trees
Seeing snow on trees and understanding how they handle so much extra weight is a marvel. Thanks to their conical design and flexible branches, the coniferous trees in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region are well-adapted to survive our harsh winters.
Ensure your trees are ready to handle the winter snow with Arbor Solutions’ expert tree care services. We offer pruning, structural support, and more to strengthen your trees and protect them from the elements. Call us today at 530-580-8383 or request an estimate online to prepare your trees for the season ahead!

Lead Arborist James Piercy has worked in the tree service industry since moving to the Tahoe region in 1997. He has been an ISA Certified Arborist since 2004 and continues to provide expert recommendations and quality tree care throughout the region.



We publish monthly articles detailing tree care in the greater Truckee-Tahoe region. If you have a question about maintaining your trees, we may have already answered it on our Tree Care Blog.