Trees serve so many useful purposes. From lumber and paper to supplying all the necessary nutrients for growing a plethora of fresh fruits, trees really are magnificent. Trees in Kansas City provide many amenities and benefits to humans overall.

Syracuse University art professor and contemporary artist Sam Van Aken was born and raised on a farm and while his early career focused mainly on academics and his art, he never strayed far from his roots when it came to seeking inspiration. The result is a very unique tree that can grow 40 different types of fruit.

The month of August can certainly take a toll on your landscaping, especially your trees. It's hot, it's either too wet or too dry, pests and insects are out in full force... and did I mention it's hot? Here are some important care tips for your trees which can make those trees more comfortable and perhaps even stave off future problems.

After having that old damaged tree taken down, you're feeling pretty good about making the decision not to spend the extra money and have the stump removed. But as you walk around the yard you glance over and see new growth sprouting out of the stump and the surrounding roots. The last thing you want after going to all the trouble of getting rid of the tree is to have another one grow back in its place!

As you mow the grass or just sit out on the patio enjoying this wonderful summer weather, you glance around and realize your trees could use a good pruning. But before deciding this is a job you could easily tackle yourself please keep reading to learn why it's not always the smartest idea to trim your trees yourself.

In the past we have discussed how devastating the Emerald Ash Borer beetle is to our area's ash trees. Recently Joe Skinner, with the Missouri Department of Conservation, has determined people are quickly becoming the number one reason the "Green Menace" continues to spread. The experts are now asking that homeowners no longer move firewood in an effort to contain the spread of this insidious disease.

Why do we always want it all? We want lots of shopping options, great urban housing like lofts and townhomes, but then we also demand nearby green spaces filled with towering trees. While often these trees are lush and full, it can be a challenge for them to survive in many of our smog, noisy, and crowded urban environments.

You water your flowerbeds, your vegetable gardens, and your lawn, but do you ever think to water your trees? Generally, larger, more mature trees have deeper, stronger root systems which can withstand many environmental stresses, but eventually a lack of water will cause a tree to die.

Trees, just like human beings, can experience stress through a variety of causes. In fact, over time trees can become so stressed they end up dying. Proper tree healthcare is vital to tree longevity. so it's important to recognize any signs of duress as soon as possible. Otherwise, your tree health could suffer.

It seems natural to assume since trees reemerge from their dormancy due to the warmer spring weather, they would continue to thrive during the heat of summer. But that isn't always true especially when it comes to birch trees. While fast-growing birch trees are quite popular because of their gorgeous fall colors, birches suffering from summer heat can have their health severely affected.