Memphis Winter Storm Recovery: How to Save Plants Damaged by Falling Roof Ice
The January 2026 winter storm has moved out of the Mid-South, but for many Memphis homeowners, the damage is just becoming visible. While the initial freeze was hard on our landscapes, the real "crushing" blow often comes from the roof.
As temperatures rise, thick sheets of ice slide off rooflines, causing significant structural damage to the ornamental plants and foundation shrubs below. At Green Earth Landscaping and Irrigation, we are currently helping neighbors across the Memphis area assess and repair this specific type of winter landscape damage. We are seeing more serious ice damage east of Collierville Tennessee while areas like Germantown, Cordova and Bartlett dealt more with sleet that then froze.
Assessing Ice Damage in Your Memphis Landscape
In the Memphis area, common foundation plants like Azaleas, Boxwoods, and Loropetalums are the most frequent victims of falling ice. Because our homes often have steep gables, the impact can be devastating.
What to look for:
Split Trunks: The weight of falling ice can literally unzip a shrub from the center.
Splayed Branches: Plants like 'Sky Pencil' Hollies or Arborvitae may look like they’ve "exploded" outward.
Broken "Leads": The main upward-growing branch of a young tree may be snapped.
Immediate Steps: Do’s and Don’ts for Ice-Damaged Plants
It is tempting to grab the pruners the moment the sun comes out, but rushing can often do more harm than good.
DON’T: Shake the Ice Off
If there is still ice clinging to the branches, do not shake them. In freezing temperatures, plant tissue is brittle. Shaking or beating the ice off can cause microscopic cracks in the bark, leading to disease or death in the spring.
DO: Let it Thaw Naturally
Wait for the sun to do the work. Once the ice has melted, the plant may naturally "spring back" more than you expect.
DON’T: Prune Everything Immediately
Unless a branch is hanging by a thread and posing a safety risk, wait. Those brown, damaged leaves actually provide a "thermal blanket" for the living tissue inside if we have another frost.
Mid-South Plant Recovery FAQ
Will my plants die from falling ice damage?
In most cases, no. Most Mid-South favorites like Knockout Roses and Hydrangeas are incredibly resilient. Even if they are crushed to the ground, their root systems are usually safe. With proper "rejuvenation pruning" in late February or March, they can often be restored.
How do I fix a shrub that was split in half by falling ice?
For multi-stemmed shrubs like Boxwoods, you can often use soft landscape ties or arbor tape to gently pull the branches back together. If the main trunk is split, however, you may need a professional assessment to see if the plant can be salvaged or if a replacement is necessary.
How can I prevent roof ice damage in the future?
When we design landscapes in Memphis, we specifically look at "drip lines." If you have a high-impact area where ice frequently falls, we recommend installing heavy-duty evergreen shrubs or creating "hardscape" zones with decorative stone where plants aren't at risk.
Need a Professional Damage Assessment?
If your landscape looks like a disaster zone after the latest Memphis ice storm, don't panic. Green Earth Landscaping and Irrigation is currently booking landscape health assessments and spring recovery pruning. Servicing Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, Germantown, Rossville, and Cordova.
Call us today at 901-657-3614 or visit our Contact Page to schedule your post-storm cleanup!