Tree Removal Experts Share What to Watch for Before Spring

When winter starts to wind down in Joplin, many of us begin thinking about our yards again. The grass might still be dormant, but trees are already showing signs of what's to come. Some are budding early, while others are holding onto damage from weeks of freezing and thawing. Before spring bursts in with full force, trees that made it through harsh weather deserve a closer look.

As tree removal experts, we've learned that problems left untreated through winter usually show up in bigger ways once the growing season begins. Cleaning things up early is about health, safety, and avoiding unwanted surprises later. We're sharing some of the top issues we check out before spring because catching them now can make all the difference.

Winter Damage That Might Not Be Visible

Cold weather is tough on trees, but not all damage is easy to spot. Just because a tree is still standing does not mean it's okay. Winter does strange things to wood, bark, and roots, especially with temperatures swinging back and forth.

• Bark and trunk cracks are one of the most common quiet warning signs. When water inside the tree freezes and expands, it can cause splits that weaken the structure from the inside.

• Limbs may look fine from the ground but could be split or starting to sag under their own weight. These often break off later in spring windstorms if they aren’t addressed.

• Soil movement in winter can change how roots sit. Trees that were leaning slightly before may sag further after freeze-thaw cycles or heavy snow, putting more stress on their base.

Swartz Tree Service provides full assessments for these kinds of hidden risks, checking everything from trunk health to root stability. These issues do not always call attention to themselves, but they matter. A tree dealing with hidden problems now may struggle to keep up once things warm up.

Old or Diseased Trees That Won’t Recover Well

Some trees may already be near the end of their lifespan, and winter just speeds things along. Others can show warning signs from past damage or illness if you know where to look.

• Hollowed or decayed areas in a trunk often signal rot deep inside. If you see soft wood, peeling bark, or fungus near the roots, the tree is likely in trouble.

• Branches that didn’t shed leaves in the fall or that dropped quickly and entirely during a winter frost might be mostly dead. If there's no sign of bud growth late in winter, it may not come back.

• Past pruning wounds or storm damage that never fully healed can open a tree up to future breakdowns, especially when spring growth adds extra weight.

Swartz Tree Service specializes in dealing with hazardous and diseased trees, offering safe removal when signs of long-term damage are found. Trees that show even a few of these signs deserve a second look. Recovering from tough conditions can take a lot out of a weak tree. Some won’t make it into summer without leaning more, splitting, or dying off.

Trees Crowding Structures or New Growth

Snow and wind shift branches more than we realize. By late winter, limbs that were once clear of rooftops or wires might now be too close for comfort.

• Trees pressed up against fences, porches, or siding could start causing damage as they grow. Even slow-growing branches can begin rubbing or piercing nearby surfaces.

• Canopies that block too much air and light make it hard for grass or shrubs underneath to bounce back once spring arrives. Thick growth might be hiding damaged spots or creating too much moisture near the trunk.

• If your yard is full of closely spaced trees, early spring growth can lead to fast competition. Many younger trees won’t get what they need, and older ones may angle out at the base or stretch far to catch sun, creating imbalance.

Some of these problems are easy to miss during winter months when there’s less foliage and fewer signs of growth. Before things start sprouting again, it's smart to make note of anything that looks cramped or off-balance.

Safety Checks That Tree Removal Experts Rely On

We’ve walked a lot of yards and wooded areas at this time of year, and a few signs always catch our attention. They’re less about appearance and more about safety, yours and the tree's.

• A tree that leans in one direction or grows with a twist might be off-center. That matters more when the roots are wet or shifting. Structural imbalance turns into a hazard fast when growth kicks back in.

• Warmer winter days sometimes wake up insects early. Beetles and borers that hide in the bark can become active, spreading damage while trees are still vulnerable.

• Trees planted near property lines or driveways may now sit closer to paved areas than before. As roots expand, they can lift up soil, heave concrete, or spread into areas they didn’t originally reach.

Sometimes the safest tree is the one you do not keep. In most cases, we just need to keep a close watch and make smart choices before the growing season crowds things further.

Better Tree Health Starts Before Spring Hits

By late January in Joplin, we're usually dealing with colder nights and slightly warmer days. It's that window where problems show themselves if you know what to look for. Trees are still slow, but not asleep. That makes it a great time to decide which ones need help and what needs to go.

When we check trees before the buds pop, we give them a better chance to thrive once spring gets moving. Problems we spot now, whether it's hidden cracks, weak limbs, or dead sections, are easier to work with before leaves get in the way or storms add extra pressure.

It does not take much to keep trees heading in the right direction, but it does take timing. A quick look now could mean one less problem later when life outside starts to pick up again.

Get an Early Edge on Spring Safety

As winter comes to a close in Joplin, this is the perfect time to spot early issues before spring growth takes over. Storm damage, leaning trunks, or hidden cracks often go unnoticed but can cause trouble if left unchecked. Our experienced team at Swartz Tree Service knows what to look for and is ready to help you determine which trees are safe to keep and which may need attention. Schedule a winter tree check with our local tree removal experts to get your property ready for the season ahead.