St. Louis, MO headlines

Now is a critical time of year to prepare your trees and shrubs for the coming summer in the St. Louis area. Healthy trees and shrubs are better able to withstand the higher temperatures and weather extremes that summer brings. Proper care in spring can help ensure the health of your landscape plants.

Apple scab impacts many varieties of apple and crabapple trees. The first sign of the disease is the appearance of smoky or smudgy spots on leaves. Taking action at bud break, before symptoms become apparent, will provide the most effective control.

Now is the time to address tree health issues that are commonplace this time of year. Problems including browning on evergreen needles, damage to twigs and branches, cracks or splits in the bark and root issues should be identified in early spring, before serious damage occurs.