How To Straighten Arborvitae Bent By Snow

Arborvitae bent by snow can often be straightened if you act quickly and carefully.
 
When heavy snow weighs down the branches, it can leave your arborvitae looking droopy and misshapen.
 
The good news is that you don’t always have to wait for spring to fix arborvitae bent by snow – you can help them bounce back right away with the right techniques.
 
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to straighten arborvitae bent by snow, including when to intervene, what tools to use, and common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s get your arborvitae standing proud again.

How to Straighten Arborvitae Bent by Snow: The Right Approach

Knowing how to straighten arborvitae bent by snow starts with understanding that these evergreens are surprisingly resilient.
 
The weight of snow alone rarely breaks the branches – it’s the prolonged bending that can cause permanent damage.
 
Here are the key steps to straighten arborvitae bent by snow and prevent further harm:
 

1. Act Before the Snow Melts or Freezes

The best time to straighten arborvitae bent by snow is while the snow is still fresh and the branches are flexible.
 
If you wait until the snow freezes into ice, the branches become brittle and more likely to snap.
 
Gently brush off the snow with a soft broom or your gloved hand, working from the bottom up to avoid adding more weight.
 
Once the snow is removed, the arborvitae bent by snow will often spring back toward their natural shape on their own.
 

2. Gently Groom the Branches Back Into Position

After removing the snow, you may need to carefully guide the branches upright.
 
For arborvitae bent by snow, simply lifting the branch tips with your hand and holding them for a few seconds can help them remember their original direction.
 
Work slowly and never force a branch that resists – if it’s still frozen, wait until it thaws slightly.
 
The goal is to straighten arborvitae bent by snow without cracking or tearing the wood.
 

3. Use Soft Ties or Stakes for Support

For more severe bends or larger arborvitae, you might need a little extra help to straighten arborvitae bent by snow.
 
Drive a sturdy wooden stake into the ground near the trunk, then loop a soft cloth or garden twine around the bent branch and attach it loosely to the stake.
 
Avoid using wire or tight plastic ties that can cut into the bark.
 
Leave the ties in place for a few weeks – by then the arborvitae bent by snow should have naturally corrected itself.
 

Why Arborvitae Get Bent by Snow and How to Prevent It

Before you learn how to straighten arborvitae bent by snow, it helps to understand why it happens in the first place.
 
Arborvitae have a shallow root system and soft, flexible wood – that’s why they bend rather than break under heavy snow.
 
But if you’re tired of dealing with arborvitae bent by snow every winter, a little prevention goes a long way.
 

1. Prune Your Arborvitae in Late Fall

Lightly thinning out the interior branches reduces the surface area where snow can pile up.
 
When you prune, focus on removing weak or crossing limbs that are most likely to bend when snow hits.
 
This makes it far less likely that you’ll need to straighten arborvitae bent by snow after every storm.
 

2. Tie Branches Together Before Heavy Snow

For smaller arborvitae, loosely wrapping a soft rope around the entire plant (like a loose spiral) can keep the branches from splaying outward.
 
Do this before the first big snowfall, and you won’t have to figure out how to straighten arborvitae bent by snow later.
 
Just remember to remove the ties in early spring so the plant can grow freely.
 

3. Choose a Less Snow-Prone Location

If you’re planting new arborvitae, place them where snow doesn’t accumulate heavily – for example, away from roof drip lines or wind tunnels.
 
That simple step can save you the trouble of having to straighten arborvitae bent by snow every winter.
 

Common Mistakes When Trying to Straighten Arborvitae Bent by Snow

Even with the best intentions, some methods can do more harm than good.
 
Avoid these errors when you attempt to straighten arborvitae bent by snow:
 

1. Using Heat or Hot Water to Melt Snow

Pouring hot water on arborvitae bent by snow can shock the roots and damage the foliage.
 
Stick to gentle brushing and natural thawing to straighten arborvitae bent by snow safely.
 

2. Tying Branches Too Tightly

When you straighten arborvitae bent by snow with ties, leave slack so the branch can still move slightly.
 
Tight ties can girdle the bark and kill the branch over time.
 

3. Ignoring the Damage Until Spring

If you leave arborvitae bent by snow for weeks, the branches may set in that bent position permanently.
 
It’s much easier to straighten arborvitae bent by snow while the wood is still pliable – so don’t procrastinate.
 

So, How to Straighten Arborvitae Bent by Snow Effectively

Arborvitae bent by snow can be straightened successfully if you take action soon after the storm.
 
Start by brushing off the snow, guide the branches upright, and use soft ties for support when needed.
 
With a little patience and the techniques above, you can straighten arborvitae bent by snow and keep your landscape looking its best all winter long.
 
Remember that prevention – like pruning and tying – can save you from having to straighten arborvitae bent by snow every time it snows.
 
Now you’ve got exactly what you need to tackle arborvitae bent by snow and help them stand tall again.