Trees bend, trees break, and when it snows like it has been in the Mid-Atlantic, they do more of both.
Arborists in Maryland are frustrated by the depth of the snow because it is keeping them out of the neighborhoods and properties where trees are down or breaking.
In the meantime, homeowners are being given this advice.
Using a broom, brush the snow off shrubs and evergreens -- as far up as you can reach. The weight of the snow will do the most damage to these plants, thought they are remarkably resilient.
Don't park your car under a tree that looks like it is in trouble. Even a rotted or dead branch can do a lot of damage when it falls.
If your house is threatened by a tree, call an arborist immediately.
Photo credits: Baltimore Sun/Susan Reimer
My neighbor Betsy had parts of this pine tree come down in her yard (Think snow on the end of a fly-swatter and you get the idea.)
It missed the house, but took out part of the fence. She never like that fence anyway....