New Year Tree Care Resolutions For Your Property

The start of a new year is a great time to look around your property and think about what needs attention. After the holiday rush and winter weather, things may have gotten a little out of shape. Trees often take a beating this time of year, especially in a place like Joplin, where temperatures dip and storms roll through. Just like people make resolutions for their health or home goals, trees need the same kind of care to thrive.

Setting a few simple tree care habits now can help avoid more serious problems down the road. Broken limbs, pests, or disease don’t fix themselves. And letting things sit too long can lead to expensive damage. Whether you’ve got a big oak near your driveway or a few smaller ornamentals in the yard, checking in on them after winter is one of the smartest ways to kick off the new year.

Inspecting Your Trees Post-Winter

After cold months and icy storms, it's pretty common for trees to suffer damage you might not notice right away. That’s why it’s a good idea to step outside and give them a careful look once the weather calms a bit. The sooner you spot a problem, the easier and usually cheaper it is to deal with.

Here are a few things to look for:

1. Cracks in the trunk or large branches

2. Dead limbs that snap easily or look darker than the rest

3. Trees that are leaning or seem off-balance

4. Exposed roots or soil that looks pushed up

5. Bark peeling off in chunks

6. Branches hanging low or caught in wires

These signs can show up on any type of tree, big or small. Some folks just notice a tree looking different but don’t dig much deeper. Meanwhile, rot or structure damage could already be working its way in. One customer told us they thought the strong wind was making their maple look crooked, but it turned out the roots were coming loose underground.

If there’s any question about the tree’s safety, it’s time to get an expert involved. Trees near homes, power lines, fences, or sheds should never be left with damage uninspected. Even smaller trees can cause problems if they fall or drop heavy limbs. Professional eyes can catch risks the average person would miss, especially when dealing with internal decay or storm stress hidden beneath the bark.

Regular Pruning And Trimming

Pruning and trimming may sound like cosmetic work, but it does far more than improve how a tree looks. It helps with air circulation, helps new growth develop, and keeps limbs from rubbing against each other. That rubbing can actually damage bark and create entry points for disease.

In Joplin, light trims can often be done through late winter. This keeps the work from stressing the tree just before spring growth really ramps up. Larger pruning jobs are best handled by professionals, especially when the branches are high up or growing near power lines or rooftops.

Keep an eye out for the following:

1. Branches that cross and rub

2. Deadwood that hasn’t fallen

3. Weak branches growing at odd angles

4. Limbs too close to buildings or driveways

5. Branches blocking light from other plants or structures

Don’t forget that overgrown trees not only bring safety concerns, they also make yards look cluttered. Keeping trees shaped through regular trimming helps make your whole property feel more open, safe, and managed. It’s also a great way to catch anything unusual early, like fungus or insect nests, before they create bigger problems.

Addressing Tree Pests And Diseases

As the weather starts warming up after the new year, it’s important to check whether any pests or diseases are settling into your trees. Cold weather doesn’t always stop bugs or spores. Some insects burrow into bark and wait for spring to start feeding again.

Things to watch for include:

1. Sawdust-like material near the base

2. Holes or tunneling in the bark

3. Leaf discoloration that doesn’t look seasonal

4. Branches dying back from the tips

5. Sticky spots on bark or a moldy film

6. Cracks or sunken areas in the trunk

One homeowner in Joplin told us their dog had started sniffing around the base of a tree every day. On closer inspection, the bark was cracked, and burrowing beetles had taken hold. Catching it early stopped the damage from spreading to nearby trees.

Pests like borers, aphids, scale insects, and webworms are common in our area. Fungal issues like oak wilt or anthracnose can pop up quickly as the seasons change. If you see something odd, don't guess. Having a professional take a look can save your tree and prevent the issue from spreading. Some problems are easier to treat than others, but even the trickier ones are more manageable when caught early.

Planning For Tree Health Year-Round

Keeping trees healthy all year isn’t about doing tons of work. It’s about having a smart, simple plan that changes with the seasons. Weather swings are big here in Joplin, so paying attention to timing can make a major difference.

Think about these seasonal tasks:

- Spring: Refresh mulch around trunks, start watering if things get dry, and keep an eye out for early pests

- Summer: Water regularly through dry periods and remove any dead or storm-damaged limbs

- Fall: Rake away dropped leaves from the base and inspect for fungi

- Winter: Protect young tree trunks with wraps or mulch beds and check for ice damage after storms

A yearly fertilizer treatment might help depending on the type of tree and soil. Some trees do better with slow-release fertilizers to keep nutrients steady over time. If your tree looks stressed or stops growing like it should, that’s a good time to rethink your care plan.

Setting reminders to check on your trees at the start of each season is helpful. You don’t have to do everything at once. Just walking around your yard once in a while can help you catch issues before they grow. An annual visit from a tree care pro can also point out things you might not notice and give you peace of mind.

Start The New Year With Healthy Trees

Trees are one of the first things people see on a property. Whether it’s a shady backyard oak or a line of maples by a storefront, healthy trees show that the space is cared for. Kicking off the year with some tree work sets you up for fewer setbacks and a better-looking yard.

Taking care of trees isn’t just about looks. It helps protect the people and buildings around them too. Broken limbs, root problems, or pest infestations might creep up slowly, but if you check in regularly, you’re more likely to stop damage before it gets expensive.

Start small. Walk around your yard, look at your trees, and make some notes. Are limbs hanging low? Does the bark look off? Are any of the trees leaning? If so, it might be time to call in a professional.

Strong trees keep you from dealing with unexpected problems. When you take care of them bit by bit over time, they repay you with beauty, shade, and safety for years to come. January is just the right time to get that fresh start.

To keep your landscape looking great all year long, set up regular tree care services with Swartz Tree Service. Our experienced team can take care of everything from careful pruning to pest checks, so your trees stay strong and healthy through every season in Joplin.