Winter winds wreak havoc on standing timber
Sub-zero temperatures and frigid winds whipping through the valleys of the Thompson-Okanagan can wreak havoc on even the strongest of trees. It’s for that reason that Kamloops-based Pine Valley Tree Services, which serves Kamloops, Kelowna, Vernon, Salmon Arm and surrounding areas, maintains a year-round maintenance program.
“The winter is the most serious time for people to worry about their trees for sure, especially taller evergreens and trees that are too heavy in the wind,” said Pine Valley owner Larry Kwak who has over three decades in the business. “It’s really nothing for us because we’re going to make it work. We have plows and we can plow the snow away or shovel. Nothing will slow us down, we’ll come in and get the work done.” Kwak adds: “There’s also benefits to having tree pruning and removal done in the wintertime. We give customers a discount and as trees are dormant it’s a lot better for all species.”
Kwak noted it’s also much easier to get these projects completed now because in the spring Pine Valley’s services are very much in demand. They get very busy with fruit tree pruning in late winter and early spring.
“There are also just certain types of trees that you can’t leave standing without having some maintenance done,” said Kwak, who runs the business with his son Ryan at his side. The company puts their customer’s safety first in all jobs. “Trees are just like anything else in your yard. Whether it’s your grass or your shrubs, they all need maintenance and it’s critical to have that work done.”
While there are some situations where working in the winter can be more hazardous, the highly trained Pine Valley staff are up to the task. “In the winter, in certain situations you lose tree sap and then you’re going to lose at least 25 per cent of a tree’s strength. Everything is more brittle. When heavy winds hit in the fall and winter it’s a double whammy and you have to be careful,” said Kwak. “Every situation is different. It’s so important to have the right person for the job.”
All trees have a lifespan and it’s often difficult to tell the state of their health because things like rot are largely invisible to the untrained eye. It is critical to have the knowledgeable Pine Valley staff look over your trees. Their first goal will be to save the tree with treatment options, if possible. “If your mature tree is beyond saving and is labeled hazardous, we will recommend removing the tree for safety,” added Kwak.
Request an on-site visit by calling 778-362-3230 (alternate number is 250-319-5586 if no answer on their main line), in Vernon call 250-241-1704, in Kelowna call 50-801-8405 or fill out the online form. For a full list of Pine Valley’s tree and landscaping services please visit their SERVICES page.
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