Tree care · Midwest
Missouri has hot summers and cold snaps, with a humid continental climate in the north and a humid subtropical one in the south. Oaks, hickories, maples, sweetgums and eastern red cedars are common. Spring storms and winter ice are hard on trees here.
Trees that commonly grow or are often planted here. The storm risk is our plain rating for the species as a whole, not an inspection of your tree.
Quercus alba
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesQuercus rubra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus palustris
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesQuercus stellata
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesCarya ovata
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesAcer saccharinum
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesLiquidambar styraciflua
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesJuniperus virginiana
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesPyrus calleryana 'Bradford'
Storm risk high
Care and removal notesJuglans nigra
Storm risk medium
Care and removal notesCercis canadensis
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesCornus florida
Storm risk low
Care and removal notesSee every species in the tree library.
Widely known concerns in this part of the country. If you see signs, ask a certified arborist or your state extension office. Ranges change, so check your state's official maps.
More in tree pests and diseases.
Tornadoes and hail are most common from about March to June, with summer thunderstorms after that. Ice storms can bring down limbs from December to February.
Main storm months: March to June for tornadoes and hail; December to February for ice
After a storm, stay away from downed lines and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. Read what to do after a storm and our storm guides.
The cooler months, from late fall to late winter, are a common time to prune. Oaks are often pruned in the dormant season to lower oak wilt risk. Ask an arborist or your extension office about timing.
Each species page lists its own best and worst times. See the month-by-month tree care calendar and when to prune.
Some Missouri cities require a permit to remove protected or heritage trees. Check your city's tree ordinance before removal. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Short explanation, not legal advice. Read our plain guide to tree permits.
City rules we checked in Missouri, with links to the official sources. Checked 26 October 2026. Rules change; short explanation, not legal advice.
See tree removal permits by city for every city we checked.
For homeowners
No state tree license found
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Missouri. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. See the Missouri state rules page for details and official links.
Get two or three written quotes. To find local pros, search Google Maps and read their reviews. Full steps in how to hire a tree service and the hiring checklist.
Own a tree service in Missouri?
Missed-call text-back, lead follow-up, booking and review requests, set up for tree companies.
For tree service owners
Tornadoes and hail are most common from about March to June, followed by summer thunderstorms. Ice storms can hit from December to February. Ask an arborist to look at weak or leaning trees before spring.
The cooler months, from late fall to late winter, are a common time to prune in Missouri. Oaks are often pruned while dormant to lower oak wilt risk. An arborist can advise on your species.
There is no one rule that covers everything. Many cities and towns have their own tree ordinances, so check with your city or town before you cut anything large, especially a street tree or a protected tree. Short explanation, not legal advice.
Read Google reviews and ask for proof of insurance. We could not confirm a state-level license for general tree work in Missouri, so also check your city or county. Get two or three written quotes.
A good written quote names the work for each tree, says who handles cleanup and hauling, and shows proof of insurance. Get two or three written quotes and compare what each one includes, not only the bottom line.
Stay away from any tree touching a power line and call the utility. Call 911 if anyone is in danger. If the tree is only on the ground and the area is safe, take photos for your insurance and call a local insured tree pro. Do not cut storm-loaded wood yourself.
We found no state-level license just for tree work in Missouri. Pesticide, contractor and city rules can still apply. Our Missouri state rules page has the details and links to official sources. Short explanation, not legal advice.
No. Lirevon is a remote marketing team for tree service companies. We do not do tree work and we do not list or rank tree companies. To find a local insured pro, search Google Maps, read their reviews and get two or three written quotes.