Public invited to attend MDC tree trimming 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 on tree work they will be doing in the months ahead.

Area homeowners can get information on tree pruning at several free tree pruning workshops in November that are being put on by Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) staff and local forestry professionals. Here is a list of the upcoming events:

Nov. 3: 6:30 p.m., New-Mac Electric Coop Meeting Room, Anderson, 9 Mustang Drive

Nov. 5: 9 a.m., Parr Hill Park, Joplin, workshop will be held at shelter near corner of 18th St. and Kansas, Ave. This workshop is hosted by the Missouri Community Forestry Council and will offer hands-on pruning opportunities with help by local tree experts.

Nov. 8: 6:30 p.m., Aurora City Fire Dept. Meeting Room, 106 S. Elliot Ave.

Nov. 15: 6:30 p.m., Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center, Joplin, 201 W. Riviera Drive

Nov. 19: 10 a.m., Carthage, Municipal Park. Attendees should meet at the shelter northeast of the swimming pool. This workshop is hosted by the Carthage Tree Board and will offer hands-on pruning opportunities. After the instructional portion of the workshop, participants will be invited join Carthage Tree Board members and city park staff to prune younger trees at the park.

 Registration is requested, but not required for these workshops. To register or to get more information, call the Joplin MDC office at 417-629-3423 or e-mail MDC Community Forester Jon Skinner at jon.skinner@mdc.mo.gov. For more on backyard tree care, go online to mdc.mo.gov.