Quick answer: The trees that break most in Denver snowstorms are fast-growing species with weak wood: Siberian elm, silver maple, cottonwood, willow and boxelder. Trees with narrow branch forks and trees still in full leaf are hit hardest. Slower-growing, strong-wooded trees such as oak, Kentucky coffeetree, hackberry and crabapple hold up better.
No tree is snow-proof, and a well-pruned weak-wooded tree can outlast a neglected strong one. Still, the pattern after every storm is the same. This guide is general guidance based on how these species tend to behave. For cleanup, see storm damage tree cleanup in Denver.
Which trees are most and least prone to snow damage?
| More prone to breaking | Tend to hold up better |
|---|---|
| Siberian elm | Bur oak and other oaks |
| Silver maple | Kentucky coffeetree |
| Cottonwood and other poplars | Hackberry |
| Willow | Crabapple |
| Boxelder | Linden |
| Callery pear | Most conifers with a single leader |
On crabapples, CSU Extension notes that they are fairly strong-wooded and suffer little ice and snow damage.
Why do some trees break more than others?
- Fast growth. Trees that grow quickly lay down softer, weaker wood.
- Narrow forks. Branches that join at a tight V have bark trapped in the joint and split apart under load.
- Leaves. Denver’s damaging snows come in spring and fall. A tree in leaf catches far more snow.
- Long, heavy limbs. Horizontal limbs with all their weight at the tip act as levers.
- Neglect. Deadwood and old, unrepaired damage fail first.
What can you do if you have one of these trees?
- Prune it on a short cycle. Fast growers need attention every year or two. See how often to trim trees in Denver.
- Reduce long limbs over targets. Shortening a limb over the roof or driveway takes weight off the weakest point.
- Never top it. Topping makes weak trees weaker. See why tree topping harms trees.
- Know when to let it go. A big, declining Siberian elm or silver maple over a house may be better replaced. See tree removal in Denver.
The steps to take before and during a storm are in how to protect trees from heavy snow in Denver.
What should you plant instead?
Choose strong-wooded species and a mix of kinds. The trees Denver plants through its free street tree program are a sound starting point: see what to plant instead of ash in Denver. Early structural pruning matters as much as the species, because a young tree trained to one leader and wide branch angles carries snow far better.
What if the damage is already done?
Many broken trees can be kept with corrective pruning, and in Denver the cleanup is the owner’s job (see who is responsible for fallen branches). See can a storm-damaged tree be saved?
Snow damage and tree species FAQs
Why do Siberian elms break so easily?
They grow very fast, which produces brittle wood, and they tend to form narrow forks and long limbs. They also seed themselves along fences and alleys, where nobody prunes them.
Do evergreens break in heavy snow?
Less often. Conifers with one central leader shed snow well. Upright junipers and arborvitae with several stems can splay open under wet snow.
Are oak trees good in Denver snow?
Generally, yes. Oaks grow slowly and have strong wood. Some hold their leaves late into fall, so an early snow can still load them heavily.
