Public invited to attend MDC tree pruning workshops

JOPLIN, Mo. – Winter is the prime time to prune trees. Harmful fungus, bacteria and insect pests are less likely to infect a pruning wound during a tree’s winter dormancy stage. That means now is a good time for homeowners and landowners to get helpful advice from Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) foresters on tree work they will be doing in the months ahead.

Area homeowners can get information on at free tree pruning workshops in November in southwest Missouri that are being put on by MDC. Here is a list of these upcoming events:

Nov. 4: 6:30 p.m., Pineville Community Center, 602 Jesse James Road, Pineville; register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170068

Nov. 9: 6:30 p.m., Dover Hill Park, Joplin. This is workshop is hosted by the Missouri Community Forestry Council and will offer hands-on pruning opportunities. Attendees should meet at the parking lot in the 800 block of Northwest Murphy Blvd. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170096

Nov. 12: 6:30 p.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive in Joplin. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170069

Nov. 14: 6:30 p.m., Cassville Council Chambers, 300 Main St., enter through Chamber door on north side of building. Register at https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/170070

Registration is requested, but not required, for these programs. To get more information about these or other upcoming forestry programs, call the Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center at 417-629-3434 or e-mail MDC Community Forester Jon Skinner at jon.skinner@mdc.mo.gov. For more on backyard tree care, go online to https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/tree-care.