Winter in Central Texas doesn’t always bring snow, but it can deliver tough conditions for trees. In places like Kyle, colder nights, strong wind, and the occasional ice storm can take a toll on older trees and large limbs. These same branches can look stable at a glance but turn into risks overnight. Add in the mixed weather patterns we get from year to year, and it’s no surprise that more property owners are calling for help this time of season.

This is why reaching out to a local arborist in Kyle, TX makes sense before spring returns. It’s easier to miss problems when everything is bare, but that’s when small cracks or structural issues are easiest to spot and handle safely.

Why Tree Limbs Become Risky in Winter

Some tree limbs look fine until they suddenly aren’t. Years of stress on a large limb may not show until a cold snap takes away its last bit of strength. Trees that faced drought or harsh heat in summer might already be working with weakened wood. If winter weather brings rain or wind, those same limbs are more likely to break.

This risk goes up when we think back to the tough weather patterns Central Texas faced in recent years. Dry spells mixed with heavy rains create stress points in branches, especially if the tree didn’t have a chance to rebuild.

Here’s what tends to increase risk during colder months:

• Old storm damage that didn’t get cleaned up can shift under pressure or freezing temperatures
• Large limbs that soaked up moisture during fall may freeze and crack when the temps get low
• Trees that didn’t get enough water in summer might have brittle wood now, making them more breakable in wind

Warning Signs to Watch for Before Spring

Winter does one thing really well, it takes away the leaves, giving us a clear look at the shape and condition of every limb. That bare view often shows what was easy to miss during growing season.

Trouble doesn’t always come from obvious breaks. Some of the most dangerous signs are quiet and appear slowly. Here are a few things we look for this time of year:

• Big limbs that hang lower than usual, especially near driveways or play areas
• Cracks in the trunk or where a branch meets the tree
• Branches that have split or look flattened on one side
• Trees that now lean more than they did in fall
• Thin, brittle branches that snap easily under light pressure

Even one of these signs can be cause enough to step back and have it looked at. A local arborist in Kyle, TX can spot early signs of failure and help figure out which limbs might break in the next freeze or wind event.

Who Should Call an Arborist Now

Most of us don’t stare at our trees every day, and it’s easy to miss changes until something big happens. But some properties, and people, are more exposed to limb problems than others.

We usually recommend a mid-to-late winter checkup for:

• Homeowners with large canopy trees near roofs, patios, or sidewalks
• Families with kids or pets who play outdoors or hang out beneath trees
• Property managers or HOAs with shared trails, courtyards, or common spaces

If any tree limb failure could cause injury or property damage, winter’s the time to take stock before warm weather brings growth, and stronger wind and storms. Getting ahead with seasonal timing often avoids more urgent problems later.

How a Winter Tree Assessment Helps You Get Ahead

When trees are dormant, it’s easier to work with them. Without the full canopy, we can see joints, bark, and limb spacing better than at any other time of year. That allows for faster decisions and cleanup without having to cut through dense leaves or deal with wildlife nesting in early spring.

Winter is also a window where cuts and removals heal better. Since trees aren’t using much energy, they won’t stress as hard when trimmed. That gives them a head start when growth kicks in soon after.

Some benefits of winter work include:

• Clean, simple access to limbs that would be hard to spot when leaves come in
• Fewer disruptions to lawns, driveways, and nearby landscaping
• Less chance of spreading pest issues or diseases between limbs
• No rush right before Austin’s spring storm season begins

The H.O.W. Foundation specializes in tree removal, pruning, and stump grinding in communities like Kyle, helping property owners protect both their landscapes and loved ones. Our crews are trained to spot early risks and address them safely, supporting recovery through meaningful work in your area.

Give Your Property a Safer Start to Spring

We’ve seen how fast a small issue can turn into a big cleanup once spring storms hit. Trees that seemed “fine for now” in January don’t always make it to April without a problem. By that point, growth, pollen, and heat return quickly, and it gets harder to schedule the right kind of help fast.

Checking trees now, while they’re still holding steady and visible, gives you a better view and more control. It’s a calmer time of year for both the trees and any work around them.

Waiting until mid-spring usually means juggling other yard work or dealing with plants already in bloom. By taking action now, your property steps into spring clean, strong, and protected.

Noticing sagging limbs, leaning trunks, or new cracks can signal hidden issues as winter lingers in Central Texas, and these problems often become more serious during the last cold weeks. Even if your trees seem fine on the surface, structural concerns might be lurking underneath. Stay ahead of spring growth and prevent unexpected emergencies by reaching out to our crew through our local arborist in Kyle, TX. The H.O.W. Foundation is ready to help make your property safer as we move into the warmer months.