Winter Pruning in Joplin: Why Wait for the Cold?
It’s 30 degrees in Joplin. The grass is brown. The trees are bare. This is the perfect time to call an arborist.
While many homeowners wait until the first green leaves of spring to think about their trees, Dormant Pruning (December - February) is the industry secret to healthier, safer trees.
1. Disease Prevention (The Big One)
In Missouri, we battle Oak Wilt. This fungus is spread by beetles that are active in spring and summer. They are attracted to the smell of fresh sap from pruning cuts.
- Winter Rule: When it's freezing, the beetles are dead or hibernating. We can prune your Oaks with zero risk of infection.
2. Seeing the Structure
In summer, a tree is a giant green ball. It's hard to see the defects. In winter, the "skeleton" is visible. We can easily spot:
- Crossing Branches: Limbs that rub against each other, creating wounds.
- Weak Unions: V-shaped crotches that need support.
- Cracks: Storm damage from the previous season.
3. Less Stress on the Tree
Pruning is essentially surgery. Doing it while the tree is "asleep" (dormant) reduces shock.
- Energy Reserves: The tree keeps its energy stored in the roots during winter. When we cut a branch, we aren't removing stored energy (sap/leaves).
- Spring Burst: When spring arrives, the tree pushes all that stored energy into the remaining branches, resulting in vigorous, healthy growth.
4. Frozen Ground Protection
Joplin gets wet and muddy in spring. Bringing heavy equipment across a soggy lawn leaves ruts.
- Winter Advantage: If the ground is frozen hard, our trucks and equipment leave almost no footprint. It’s better for your lawn.
What to Prune Now?
- Fruit Trees: Essential for maximizing fruit production.
- Oaks & Elms: The ONLY safe time to prune them.
- Crepe Myrtles: Corrective pruning (please don't "murder" them!).
Beat the Spring Rush. Get your trees ready for the spring storms now.