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Common Tree Challenges in Lee’s Summit, MO

Written by Cartwright Tree Care on November 18, 2025 .

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Helping Trees Stay Strong Through Every Missouri Season

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the Kansas City metro, Lee’s Summit, Missouri is known for its beautiful neighborhoods, tree-lined parks, and thriving community spaces. From the scenic trails at Legacy Park and Lea McKeighan Park to the shaded streets near Downtown Lee’s Summit, trees are a defining feature of the city’s natural charm.

However, Missouri’s unpredictable weather, clay-heavy soil, and seasonal temperature swings present ongoing challenges for local trees. Between spring windstorms, summer droughts, and winter ice events, even healthy trees can struggle without regular care and maintenance.

At Cartwright Tree Care, our certified arborists understand the unique environmental factors that affect Lee’s Summit’s landscapes. We specialize in preventative tree care, pest control, and structural maintenance that keep your property safe and your trees thriving year-round.

Here’s a closer look at the most common tree challenges in Lee’s Summit and how professional care helps prevent damage before it starts.

1. Storm Damage

Missouri’s spring and winter weather often brings ice, wind, and thunderstorms, all of which can put trees at serious risk. Damaged or overgrown limbs are more likely to break, and poorly structured trees may fail completely under heavy weight or strong gusts.

Our storm-prevention pruning and canopy management services help reduce risk by strengthening structure and removing weak branches before storms hit. After severe weather, we also provide emergency tree removals and storm cleanup to restore safety and curb appeal quickly.

2. Emerald Ash Borer Infestation

The Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) continues to threaten ash trees throughout Lee’s Summit and the surrounding area. This invasive pest burrows beneath bark, cutting off nutrients and causing canopy thinning and dieback. If left untreated, infested trees typically die within a few years.

Our EAB prevention and treatment programs include targeted trunk injections that protect healthy trees and stop active infestations. Early action is the key to saving your ash trees before the damage becomes irreversible.

3. Drought & Heat Stress

Lee’s Summit summers are hot, dry, and tough on trees—especially those growing in clay-heavy soil, which struggles to retain moisture. Extended drought can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and root damage, leaving trees more vulnerable to pests and disease.

We provide deep watering, mulching, and soil conditioning services to help trees stay hydrated and resilient through Missouri’s hottest months. These treatments support deep root growth and long-term health, even in challenging conditions.

4. Fungal Diseases

Trees like oaks, maples, and sycamores are prone to fungal diseases such as oak wilt, anthracnose, and powdery mildew—especially during wet spring and humid summer seasons. Without treatment, these infections can weaken trees, cause leaf loss, and spread to surrounding plants.

Our disease diagnosis and management services include targeted treatments, soil balancing, and canopy thinning to improve airflow and reduce recurrence. Routine monitoring ensures your trees stay strong and healthy year after year.

Expert Tree Services in Lee’s Summit, MO

From the neighborhoods near Raintree Lake and Winterset Valley to the historic charm of Downtown Lee’s Summit, healthy trees are essential to the beauty and safety of your property.

At Cartwright Tree Care, we’re proud to provide full-service tree care in Lee’s Summit, MO, including:

  • Tree trimming and pruning

  • Tree and stump removals

  • Pest and disease management

  • Deep root fertilization and aeration

  • Storm damage prevention and cleanup

  • Health and risk assessments

Our certified arborists are dedicated to maintaining Lee’s Summit’s natural canopy through safe, science-backed tree care that protects your home and your investment.

📞 Contact Cartwright Tree Care today to schedule your tree assessment in Lee’s Summit, MO — and keep your trees healthy, strong, and beautiful through every season.