Tree Service in Fordland, MO

Tree Service in Fordland deals with altitude. The village sits at about 1,604 feet on the southeastern edge of the Springfield Plateau, high enough above Springfield that the market's television and FM radio stations put their towers here. That same elevation means trees in and around Fordland catch more wind, more ice and more lightning than trees in the river valleys below.

Exposure and tree structure

Trees that grow on exposed uplands often develop thicker trunks and lean away from prevailing winds. That adaptation helps, but it does not protect against sudden storms. Large limbs on the windward side, long horizontal branches and trees standing alone in yards or pastures are most at risk. On a Fordland property, we look closely at those trees and recommend thinning, reduction or removal depending on the target and the tree's health.

Webster County and the ash borer

Foresters confirmed emerald ash borer in Webster County in late 2018, and dead and dying ash are now common in fencerows and along roads in the area. Dead ash become brittle, and on an exposed site like this, they can drop large limbs in a moderate wind. If you have ash near your house, drive or a road, do not wait for it to fall.

A railroad village

Fordland was platted in 1882, when its post office also opened, and was named for J. S. Ford, comptroller of the Kansas City, Fort Scott and Memphis Railroad. U.S. Route 60 runs through the village, about four miles west of Diggins and 6.5 miles northeast of Rogersville. Its 778 residents live on about 1.11 square miles, and most of the land around the village is rural.

Lightning-struck trees

Tall trees on high ground are more likely to be struck by lightning. A strike can blow bark off in a long strip, split the trunk or kill the tree outright, sometimes with damage that is only visible later. If a tree on your property has been struck, watch for wilting, bark loss or cracks over the next season. Some trees recover; others decline. We can look at a struck tree and tell you what we see.

Common Fordland work

• Removing dead ash and other hazard trees
• Thinning and reducing exposed yard trees
• Inspecting lightning-struck trees
• Clearing fencerows and lanes
• Storm cleanup after wind and ice
• Stump grinding

Ice on the uplands

Winter ice storms tend to be hard on high, exposed ground. Ice can coat every twig and multiply the weight on a branch many times over, and long horizontal limbs and trees with tight forks are the first to fail. Pruning ahead of winter, removing deadwood and shortening the heaviest limbs over roofs and drives, is the most practical defense for Fordland homeowners.

Ask for an estimate

Call (417) 374-2037 or send the form with your location and a short description. We serve Fordland and the surrounding area along U.S. 60. Get a free estimate