- 1993Median year homes were built, Strafford (ACS)
- GossMost extensive soil series, Greene County (NRCS)
- 44.7 inYearly rain, Springfield (NOAA normal)
- 11 mi northeast of SpringfieldStraight-line distance
Ground and housing
What is under Strafford homes
Across Greene County, the largest mapped soil series are Goss, Wilderness, Wanda. Soil type shapes how a crew plans the work in Strafford. Census estimates put the median Strafford home's build year at 1993, which helps you guess what original materials you have. Before structural or permitted work, check the requirements with the local government: http://www.straffordmo.net
Services here
What we handle in Strafford
01Open country
Wind-exposed trees take storm damage. Emergency storm tree service is often needed.
02Tip
Thin dense crowns to reduce wind load.
03Strafford, an 1870 railroad town
Strafford east of Springfield began as a railroad town, with older trees in town and open land around it.
Strafford, eastern Greene County
What shapes tree work here
Railroad and Route 66 town
Strafford was laid out in 1870 along the railroad, and Route 66 later ran through it. Ripley's called it the only US town with two main streets and no back alleys. Older lots near the main streets have big, aging trees.
Edge of two counties
Strafford is in eastern Greene County with a small part in Webster County. Rural lots around town mix pasture, woods and fencerows.
Aging town trees
Many trees in the old town are past middle age. Decay, dead limbs and lifting sidewalks are common reasons for a visit.
Cedar encroachment
Eastern red cedar spreads into open land. Clearing cedar improves pasture and lowers fire fuel near buildings.
Wind and ice. Strafford sees the same spring storms and occasional ice as Springfield, and older trees with decay fail first.
Decision help
Remove, prune or leave it?
Old tree near the street
If roots are lifting the sidewalk and there is decay at the base, ask for an assessment. Trees in the right of way may need city sign-off.
Big hollow tree
A hollow trunk is not always weak, but a cavity with cracks or fungus needs a closer look before deciding.
Cedar thicket on acreage
Cedar does not resprout from the stump, so cutting it low is usually enough. Brush can be piled, chipped or mulched.
Tree over a shop or barn
Dead limbs over metal roofs should come out before the next storm.
Questions for a Strafford crew
Ask whether stumps are ground or cut flush, whether brush piles are left, and how they will protect septic systems.
Signs to act now
Strafford warning signs
- Sidewalk lifting near an old tree
- Lifted concrete means large roots near the surface; ask whether the tree is in the right of way before any root work.
- Fungus on the trunk
- Shelf fungi or mushrooms on old in-town trees point to internal decay.
- Dead tops on big trees
- Dieback at the top of mature trees is common after drought and should be checked before winter ice.
- Cedars against buildings
- Cedar near structures is a fire fuel and holds moisture against siding.
Access notes
Help the crew plan a Strafford visit
Lots without back alleys. With no back alleys in the old town, equipment usually comes in from the street side, so mention parking and front-yard access.
Septic and well. Point out septic tanks and wellheads on rural lots so trucks stay clear.
Photos
