What would likely happen if heavy wet snow accumulates on trees?

Heavy wet snow can significantly impact trees due to the added weight that accumulates on their branches and trunks. When snow is heavy and packed with moisture, it exerts considerable force on the tree structure. This added weight can lead to bending or breaking of branches, and in severe cases, it can cause the tree to collapse altogether, resulting in structural failure.

Trees are not designed to support excessive weight beyond their normal capacity, and the combination of wet snow and ice can create conditions ripe for such damage. This risk is especially pronounced in species that are not structurally strong or are already weakened by illness, pests, or prior damage. Understanding this dynamic is crucial for managing the risk of tree failure in snowy conditions effectively.