Ice storms are a fairly common occurrence throughout much of the eastern United States. These storms cause significant damage to trees in natural and urban settings. Understanding ice build-up patterns on branches will help us to better recognize branching traits and patterns that predispose trees to risk of failure during ice storms. An improved ability to recognize these characteristics may help guide pruning recommendations for branches at an increased risk of failure in areas that are prone to ice storms. This presentation will give a brief overview of the literature on ice storm damage to trees, as well as present findings from recent research where trees were subjected to simulated freezing rain and parameters that caused branch failure were quantified. Practical implications for tree care professionals in ice-damage prone areas will also be discussed.