When to Call for a Tree Risk Assessment Before Winter Storms
Protect Your Property and Peace of Mind Before Harsh Weather Hits
Winter in northern Wisconsin brings beauty — but also heavy snow, ice, and high winds that can push even healthy trees to their limits. Every year, homeowners in Wausau and the surrounding areas face costly property damage from fallen limbs or uprooted trees that could have been prevented with a professional tree risk assessment.
At Albright Enterprises, our certified tree care experts help homeowners identify potential hazards before winter storms expose them. Here’s when and why you should schedule a tree risk assessment — and what to expect from one.
Why Tree Risk Assessments Matter Before Winter
When temperatures drop, trees go dormant — but structural weaknesses don’t disappear. Cracks, decay, or root instability can worsen under the weight of ice and snow. A risk assessment identifies:
- Dead or dying limbs likely to break under pressure
- Leaning or unstable trees near homes, driveways, or power lines
- Root damage or soil heaving from previous seasons
- Overextended canopies that trap snow and ice
By catching these issues early, you can prevent damage, injury, and emergency removals once storms hit.
When to Call for an Assessment
Schedule a risk assessment if you notice any of the following before winter sets in:
- Visible cracks or splits in branches or trunks
- Large, overhanging limbs near your house or power lines
- Mushrooms or soft spots at the base of a tree (a sign of decay)
- Previous storm damage that was never professionally inspected
- Major soil movement or leaning since the last thaw
Even if your trees look healthy, age, root stress, or past pruning can create hidden weaknesses. A trained eye and professional equipment can reveal risks that aren’t visible from the ground.
What Happens During a Risk Assessment
At Albright Enterprises, our team uses industry-standard evaluation techniques following ISA (International Society of Arboriculture) guidelines. A full assessment includes:
- Visual inspection of canopy, trunk, and root zones
- Sounding and probing for internal decay or cavities
- Load evaluation for snow and ice potential
- Documentation and risk rating, outlining recommended actions — from pruning and cabling to full removal if necessary
You’ll receive a clear, professional report so you can make informed decisions before winter storms roll through.
Don’t Wait Until It Breaks
Emergency tree removal in winter is dangerous, expensive, and often avoidable. By scheduling a tree risk assessment in late fall, you’re protecting your property and your family before heavy snow and ice accumulate.
Whether you own a wooded property outside Wausau or a residential lot with mature maples or pines, a pre-winter inspection ensures that your landscape is ready for Wisconsin’s toughest weather.
Schedule Your Tree Risk Assessment Today
Don’t let winter catch you off guard.
Contact Albright Enterprises today to schedule your professional tree risk assessment and ensure your property is storm-ready.
