Winter may be in full swing, but it’s time to begin planning for your tree care and landscaping needs for the coming year. After all, spring is just weeks away.

Planning can be challenging given Missouri’s diverse climate, with hot summers, cold winters, and fluctuating rainfall, all of which require specific attention. Whether you’re enhancing your garden, managing an existing landscape, or planting new trees, proper planning is essential to ensure the health of your trees and the beauty of your outdoor spaces.

Understanding the Local Climate and Its Impact on Landscaping

The Missouri climate ranges from humid continental in the north to subtropical in the south. This means that your landscaping needs to be adaptable to both extremes. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing to zero and below at times, while summers can be hot – exceeding 100 degrees – and dry. These seasonal fluctuations make it important to choose the right trees, shrubs, and plants that will thrive in this environment.

In addition, Missouri’s soil can vary. While the northern and central parts of the state tend to have clay-heavy soil, the southern parts have more loamy and sandy soils. This diversity can influence the types of trees and plants that will flourish in your garden. Planning for these differences is crucial in ensuring that your landscaping efforts are successful in the long term.

Tree Care in Missouri: Key Considerations for 2025

Proper tree care is a year-round commitment, and planning for the coming year requires a focus on both preventive measures and proactive steps. Trees are not only a beautiful addition to your landscape, but they also contribute to environmental sustainability and help with climate control by providing shade and reducing energy costs. Here are some key considerations when planning for tree care in Missouri:

• Select the Right Tree Species – Choosing the right tree species for your landscape is the foundation of successful tree care (see our monthly Treemendous Blog “Trees of the Month” for tree species suggestions). Give strong consideration to species that are well-suited to Missouri’s climate, such as oak, maple, hickory, and sycamore. These trees are hardy, resilient to both heat and cold, and provide year-round beauty and stability. In addition, native species like black walnut, sweet gum, and redbud trees are well-adapted to the local environment, requiring less maintenance and supporting local wildlife.
• Proper Planting and Root Health – The key to healthy trees starts with proper planting. Make sure to plant your trees in a location where they can receive enough sunlight and water while avoiding areas with poor drainage. Plant them in a hole large enough to accommodate the entire root ball and allow room for roots to spread as the tree grows. During the winter months, Missouri’s cold temperatures can affect tree roots, so using mulch to insulate the roots can help prevent damage.
• Routine Tree Maintenance – Planning ahead for regular tree care is crucial. In the spring, focus on pruning dead or damaged branches and assessing the health of your trees. Consider hiring a certified arborist for professional inspections to detect any signs of disease or pests. Proper tree trimming also improves air circulation and light penetration, encouraging healthy growth.
• Watering and Irrigation Systems – Consistent watering is essential for trees, especially during hot and dry summer months. Ensure that your trees have steady irrigation, but avoid perpetually soaked, swampy soil, which can promote the growth of fungi, root rot and numerous health issues. Drip irrigation systems are ideal for deep watering without wasting water. In areas with heavy clay soil, consider installing rain barrels to collect water runoff, which can be used to hydrate trees during dry spells.

Landscaping for 2025: Trends and Tips for Missouri Gardens

As you look ahead to 2025, here are some landscaping trends and tips to help you plan a beautiful and sustainable outdoor space:

• Native Plants and Low-Maintenance Gardens – One of the most significant trends in landscaping is the focus on native plants. Native plants not only thrive in Missouri’s climate but also require less water, fertilizer, and maintenance compared to non-native species. By incorporating native flowers, shrubs, and grasses into your garden, you can create a low-maintenance landscape that supports local pollinators and wildlife while adding beauty to your home.

Consider planting coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, or purple coneflowers for colorful flower beds that require minimal upkeep. Other native Missouri plants such as bluestem grass, butterfly milkweed, and prairie blazing star can add texture and height to your landscape while also benefiting the local ecosystem.

• Sustainable Landscaping Practices – Sustainability will continue to play a key role in landscaping in 2025. People are becoming increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their gardening practices, and sustainable landscaping practices are gaining popularity. Rain gardens, using drought-tolerant plants, and green roofs are excellent ways to conserve water, reduce runoff, and create green landscapes.

You can also install composting systems in your yard, use natural pest control methods, and mulch to retain soil moisture.

• Hardscaping and Outdoor Living Spaces – Hardscaping elements like patios, walkways, and retaining walls will continue to be an important part of landscaping. These elements help structure your garden, provide functional spaces for relaxation, and add aesthetic value. As outdoor living spaces become more popular, adding fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and seating areas can enhance the usability of your yard throughout the year.
• Smart Landscaping Technology – Technology is also shaping landscaping trends, with smart irrigation systems, garden sensors, and automated lawn care becoming more accessible. These tools help reduce water waste, keep your lawn healthy, and simplify routine landscaping tasks.

We’re Here to Help You!

Our certified arborists are ready to assess the near- and long-term needs of your trees and landscaping, from planting and pruning to combatting pests and if necessary, tree removal. Contact us today and schedule an appointment with one of our arborists and make decisions on care for your trees and shrubs, for direction on how, where and when to plant, which trees need specific care and more.  Contact us today and let our insured, experienced professionals take care of all your tree-related needs!