Backyard Tree Care

From pruning guidelines to tree selection and planting, this section covers everything you need to know to take care of your backyard trees.

Basic Pruning Guidelines

Use this document to learn basic tree-pruning techniques.

Care of newly planted trees

A few simple maintenance procedures will help to ensure well established, healthy trees.

Drought Stress in Trees

Drought and high temperatures are a one-two punch to trees.

Finding the Right Tree

Many urban tree problems are the result of improper location or poor species selection for the planting site.

Hardiness Zone Map

Use this Missouri map to locate your hardiness zone.

How to Plant a Tree

Use this brochure to learn how to plant trees.

Ice Melters

Chemicals used to melt ice and snow can mean safer traveling for cars and people, but can also mean real trouble for plants and soils.

The Kindest Cut

Don't top your tree. Read this brochure to learn the best way to manage problem trees.

This full-color, 60-page booklet in helps homeowners and communities choose the best trees for their growing situations, plant them in the right places and care for them over time. It includes lists of species that perform well in Missouri, including alternatives to ash trees, which are vulnerable to the emerald ash borer.

Mulch - Your Tree's Best Friend

Use this publication to learn about the benefits of mulching.

Purchasing Trees

Always plant good quality trees from reputable nurseries and garden centers.

Right Tree in the Right Place

Use this publication to help you determine how and where to plant trees on your property.

Screens for Small Yards Pamphlet

This four-page, two-color pamphlet shows you how to screen a small yard with various kinds of evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs.

The Value of Trees

Trees are an extremely important component of urban environments.

Tips on How to Hire an Arborist

Get tips and general information on hiring an arborist.

Tree Pruning Diagram

Learn the proper way to prune a tree.

Tree Heights and Distances from Utilities

Plant your trees far enough from utility lines to avoid unpleasant surprises as your tree matures.

Tree-Maintenance Timetable

Download this timetable to help you take care of your trees.

Tree Planting

The father of American conservation, Aldo Leopold, wrote, “Acts of creation are ordinarily reserved for gods and poets. To plant a pine, one need only own a shovel.” Although Leopold wrote specifically about pines, he could have used any tree as an example. And though there’s no denying the magic of tree planting, there are other things to consider besides how sharp your shovel is.

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Missouri Department of Conservation