Tree Care in Westwood, MO
Why Tree Care Matters in Westwood
Professional tree care here is about managing inherited risk. Westwood gets nearly 20 storm events a year. Our clay soils hold water, so during a heavy rain followed by wind, a large silver maple with a compromised root system is a prime candidate for uprooting. It's not just about storms. Invasive pests like the Emerald Ash Borer have decimated the ash trees that were also popular in mid-century plantings. A dead ash tree becomes brittle and hazardous quickly. Proper pruning by a certified arborist removes the weight from weak branch unions before wind can exploit them, and regular inspections can catch pest infestations or internal decay early, when options beyond removal still exist.
Your Tree's History
The 1940s to 1960s development era directly shaped Westwood's tree canopy. The preference was for fast, cheap, and showy. Siberian elms were planted for their rapid growth but are now prone to breakage and disease. The many green and white ash trees from that period are now dead or dying from Emerald Ash Borer. Builders weren't considering the 50-year maturity of these species. They planted silver maples too close to foundations and driveways, not anticipating the heaving roots. They used Bradford pears as street trees without understanding their fatal structural flaw. We're now caring for these trees at the end of their natural, often problematic, lifecycles in an urban environment.
Westwood Climate Profile
Risk Assessment
Growing & Pruning
Tree Services in Westwood
Tree Removal
Safe removal of dead, dying, hazardous, or unwanted trees
Tree Trimming & Pruning
Professional pruning for health, safety, and appearance
Stump Grinding & Removal
Complete stump removal after tree cutting
Emergency Tree Service
24/7 response for storm damage, fallen trees, and hazardous situations
Tree Health & Disease Treatment
Diagnosis and treatment of tree pests, diseases, and nutrient deficiencies
Common Trees in Westwood
Bur Oak
Toughest native oak - drought, cold, and wind tolerant. Massive specimens
Sugar Maple
Fall color champion, syrup production, but salt-sensitive along roads
White Birch (Paper Birch)
Iconic white bark, short-lived (40-50 years), bronze birch borer vulnerable
Eastern White Pine
Tall, fast-growing, soft needles - blister rust susceptible
Basswood (American Linden)
Excellent shade, fragrant flowers, attracts pollinators
Active Tree Threats in St. Louis County
Formosan Subterranean Termites critical
Affects: Both dead wood and living trees - will hollow out live oaks and other species from the inside
The most destructive termite species in the US. Colonies can contain millions of individuals. Unlike native termites, Formosans build above-ground carton nests IN living trees, consuming heartwood while the tree appears healthy from outside.
Laurel Wilt critical
Affects: Redbay, sassafras, swamp bay, avocado, pondspice
Fungal disease spread by the redbay ambrosia beetle (invasive from Asia). The beetle introduces the fungus when it bores into the tree to farm. Has killed over 300 million redbays and threatens the avocado industry.
Southern Pine Beetle high
Affects: Loblolly, shortleaf, Virginia, pitch, and other southern pines
Small bark beetle (size of a grain of rice) that mass-attacks stressed pines. Trees die rapidly when beetle populations overwhelm defenses. Outbreaks can kill thousands of acres of pine.
Westwood Tree Data
Hiring a Tree Service in Westwood
With 359 landscaping companies in St. Louis County, verification is key. For tree work, specifically look for an ISA Certified Arborist. Ask for proof of insurance and their plan for protecting your property. A reputable professional will explain why a tree needs work, point out specific defects like included bark or decay cavities, and never recommend topping a tree. Get a detailed, written estimate that specifies the scope of work by tree and procedure.
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