Don’t Wait for a Fall As Midwest winters approach, homeowners face the annual challenge of protecting their property from extreme weather. While much attention is paid to snow removal and roof maintenance, trees often go overlooked until a limb crashes down or an entire tree topples under the weight of snow and ice. Proper tree preparation is essential not only for the health of your landscape but also for the safety of your home and family. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we believe proactive care is the best strategy for protecting your trees and avoiding costly damage during the winter months. Here is what you need to know.

Protecting Your Property from Underground Damage Trees offer countless benefits: shade, privacy, curb appeal, and cleaner air. But when their roots grow unchecked, they can also become a costly threat to your property. For homeowners in the Midwest, root systems from mature or poorly placed trees can lead to serious damage below ground. Foundations can crack. Pipes can rupture. And what starts as a small root intrusion can quickly grow into a major headache. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we understand both the value of mature trees and the importance of protecting your home. Here is what you need to know about invasive roots and how to address them before they cause long-term damage.

Protecting the Midwest Landscape The trees that define the Midwest landscape (oaks, maples, elms, and more) are essential to the health of local ecosystems . They provide shade, support wildlife, and help maintain soil and air quality. But these natural systems are increasingly threatened by invasive plant species that crowd out native growth and disrupt the balance of the environment. Unlike native species, invasive plants are introduced from outside ecosystems and tend to grow rapidly, reproduce aggressively, and outcompete native plants for resources. Without natural predators or environmental checks, these plants spread quickly and can overtake entire landscapes if left unmanaged. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we help property owners and land managers identify and remove these harmful species before they do lasting damage. Understanding the problem is the first step toward protecting your trees and your land.

 How to Protect Your Property This Summer Midwestern summers are known for their beauty: long sunny days, lush greenery, and warm evenings. But they also bring a regular cycle of heavy storms. Thunderstorms, high winds, and saturated ground can wreak havoc on vulnerable trees, creating serious safety hazards and costly property damage. For homeowners and property managers, understanding how storm conditions interact with tree health is essential. The good news is that most storm-related tree failures are preventable with proactive care and inspection. This article will explore why weak trees are especially at risk during summer storms and how working with a certified arborist can help safeguard your property.

 Expert Tree Care Starts Here When it comes to tree care, not all professionals are created equal. A chainsaw and a truck do not make someone qualified to assess the health, safety, and structure of a tree. That distinction belongs to certified arborists—tree care specialists who are trained, tested, and held to rigorous professional standards. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we take pride in providing expert tree care delivered by certified professionals. But what exactly does “certified arborist” mean? And why should it matter to homeowners and property managers? Let’s take a closer look at what this credential entails and why it’s a crucial factor in responsible, long-term tree care.

The Hidden Dangers of Cutting Down Your Own Tree Cutting down a tree might seem like a straightforward task—especially with online videos making it look simple—but in reality, it’s one of the most dangerous jobs you can attempt on your property. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we routinely get called in to finish or fix failed DIY removals, and the risk is rarely worth the gamble. This article will walk through the dangers of DIY tree removal, the specialized knowledge required to do it safely, and why hiring a certified arborist is the right move for protecting your property and your safety.

Protect Your Property with Professional Tree Care Trees can be one of the most beautiful and valuable features on your property—but they also require expert care. While most homeowners can spot a clearly dead tree or a broken limb after a storm, many of the early warning signs of trouble go unnoticed until it is too late. That is where a certified arborist comes in. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, our team includes trained professionals who understand not only the biology of trees, but also the structural, environmental, and safety risks they may pose—especially during the fast-growing summer months.

Identifying Unsalvageable Trees Trees are living organisms—resilient, beautiful, and vital to the health of any landscape. But like all living things, trees can suffer from disease, injury, and decay. Sometimes a tree can be treated or trimmed to preserve its health. Other times, it is too far gone to recover, and attempting to save it becomes more dangerous than it is worth. At Midwest Tree Surgeons, we often get called out by property owners who aren’t sure what condition their tree is in—or what to do about it. Here are some clear signs that your tree may be beyond saving, along with guidance on when to bring in a certified arborist for an expert assessment. 1. No Leaves (Outside of Dormant Season) If it’s late spring or summer and a tree is completely bare , it may be dead. Deciduous trees that lose all their leaves during the growing season—or that fail to produce new growth year after year—are likely no longer functioning.  Tip: If you scratch the bark with your fingernail and it’s dry and brown underneath instead of green, that’s a bad sign.