Kansas City’s tree-lined neighborhoods and historic streets are a huge part of what makes the metro area so beautiful. From the grand oaks in Brookside and Waldo to the lush landscapes near Loose Park, Swope Park, and The Plaza, trees bring life, shade, and character to every corner of the city.
But Kansas City’s unpredictable weather, heavy clay soils, and urban stress make it one of the toughest environments for trees to thrive without proper care. Between spring storms, summer heat, and winter ice, even healthy trees can experience strain that leads to decline, disease, or dangerous breakage.
At Cartwright Tree Care, our certified arborists specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing Kansas City’s most common tree issues. Whether you’re managing a single backyard oak or a property full of mature maples, we offer customized care plans that protect your trees and your investment.
Here’s a closer look at the most common tree problems we see across Kansas City — and how early detection and proactive care can make all the difference.
Kansas City weather can change in an instant — from calm to chaos. Thunderstorms, high winds, and ice storms frequently cause broken limbs, uprooted trees, and property damage. Areas with mature trees and open exposure, such as Brookside, Waldo, and Swope Park, are particularly vulnerable.
Our storm-prevention pruning and canopy management services help minimize hazards by improving structure and removing weak or damaged limbs. After severe weather, we also provide emergency tree removals and cleanup to ensure your home and property stay safe.
The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to be a major threat to Kansas City’s tree canopy. This invasive beetle burrows beneath bark, cutting off the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Without treatment, EAB infestations can kill ash trees within just a few years.
Our EAB protection programs use professional-grade injections and monitoring to preserve healthy ash trees and slow the pest’s spread throughout the metro area. If you notice thinning leaves or bark damage, it’s time to schedule an inspection.
Kansas City’s urban landscapes — particularly in older areas like Westport, Crossroads, and Downtown KC — often have compacted soil from years of construction and traffic. This restricts oxygen flow and limits water absorption, causing trees to weaken over time.
We provide deep root fertilization and soil aeration services to revitalize compacted soil, promote healthy root growth, and improve overall tree health. These treatments are especially important for street trees and those growing near sidewalks or driveways.
Kansas City’s humid climate creates ideal conditions for fungal diseases like oak wilt, anthracnose, and root rot. These issues spread easily, especially among mature oaks, maples, and sycamores. Symptoms like leaf spots, premature drop, and wilted foliage are common warning signs.
Our disease management programs combine diagnosis, targeted treatment, and long-term prevention strategies. We also provide canopy thinning and soil conditioning to improve airflow and reduce recurring infection risks.
Hot, dry summers are another big challenge for Kansas City trees. Extended drought conditions cause leaves to brown, curl, or drop early, leaving trees vulnerable to pests and disease. Shallow-rooted or newly planted trees are especially at risk.
Our deep watering and mulching programs help regulate soil moisture, protect roots from heat, and strengthen trees against seasonal stress. Consistent care throughout the summer months keeps your landscape thriving even during heat waves.
From the rolling lawns near Loose Park to the shaded streets of Brookside, your trees are an investment in your home’s safety, beauty, and value.
At Cartwright Tree Care, we’re proud to offer full-service tree care in Kansas City, MO, including:
Tree trimming and pruning
Tree and stump removals
Pest and disease management
Deep root fertilization and aeration
Storm damage prevention and cleanup
Risk assessments and long-term maintenance plans
Our certified arborists combine decades of experience with local expertise to keep your trees safe, healthy, and thriving — no matter what Missouri weather brings.
📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your tree assessment in Kansas City, MO — and keep your trees strong, beautiful, and built to last.