Welcome to our 3 part series on Spring Tree care in SW Missouri
Preparing Your Trees for a Healthy Growing Season

Spring in southwestern Missouri is a time of renewal, with trees and plants coming back to life after the colder winter months. This is the ideal season to perform essential tree care tasks to set your landscape up for a healthy year ahead. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a new homeowner, following these spring tree care tips will help your trees grow stronger and resist common pests and diseases. Here’s a guide to getting your trees ready for the year.

Why Spring Tree Care is Crucial in SW Missouri

The climate in southwestern Missouri includes cold winters and hot, humid summers, meaning that trees undergo significant seasonal changes. Spring is the prime time for tree growth, as warmer temperatures and increased rainfall provide favorable conditions. Taking a few key steps in spring helps your trees recover from winter stress and prepares them to withstand summer’s heat. Here’s what you should focus on for a productive spring season.

1. Inspect Your Trees for Winter Damage

After the winter months, your trees may have suffered from cold snaps, frost, and even physical damage from snow or ice. A thorough inspection is the first step in spring tree care:

• Look for Dead or Broken Branches: Check for branches that appear dead, broken, or damaged. These can be a safety hazard, especially as winds pick up in spring. Removing dead branches early on helps prevent damage to the tree as it grows.
• Inspect for Frost Cracks and Splits: Frost cracks are vertical splits that form in tree bark due to fluctuating temperatures. They’re common in Missouri, and while some trees heal naturally, others may require pruning or treatment to prevent infection.

If you’re unsure about a tree’s health, consider consulting a certified arborist. They can assess whether a tree is suffering from severe winter damage or if it will naturally recover.