A significant winter storm is impacting Central Virginia this weekend, bringing heavy snow, ice accumulation, and freezing temperatures across Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and surrounding areas. These conditions put exceptional stress on trees — especially those with existing damage, decay, or heavy limbs over homes and driveways.

Tree failures during winter storms often happen suddenly and without warning, either during snowfall and icing or in the days immediately after conditions clear.

Grubb Tree & Excavation is actively monitoring conditions and providing professional tree safety and hazardous tree services when it is safe to do so.

Snow and ice behave differently than wind alone. During winter storms like this one:

• Ice buildup adds thousands of pounds of weight to large limbs 

• Snow accumulation causes bending, cracking, or splitting 

• Frozen ground limits root stability, increasing the chance of uprooting 

• Hidden fractures may not be visible until temperatures rise 

Trees that appeared stable before the storm can quickly become hazardous once ice and snow load set in.

As a veteran-owned, locally operated business with over 30 years of arborist experience, we understand how Central Virginia’s tree species and terrain respond to snow and ice events like this one.

We proudly serve Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and surrounding communities, helping property owners make informed decisions during and after severe winter weather. 

Whether you are:

• Monitoring a tree you’re concerned may not hold up 

• Dealing with visible storm damage 

• Planning for safe cleanup once weather improves 

Early evaluation helps prevent secondary damage and unsafe situations.

If something doesn’t look right, it’s worth checking.