Sikeston Standard Democrat: Local News: Pruning, time could save trees (02/08/09)

David Bizzell, owner of Bizzell Nursery Co. in Sikeston, prunes a tree. While most homeowners want to hurry and clean up their yards full of broken and hanging tree limbs, they also need to be patient when it comes to assessing a tree's damage from the winter storm. Leonna Heuring, Staff

SIKESTON -- In the 15 years, David Bizzell has lived in his Sikeston home, he's never been able to see the city's water tower due to the trees in his yard. After the recent winter storm, Bizzell now has a clear view of the tower, which is about five blocks from his house, he said.

"This storm hit every variety of tree there is, and it could take anywhere from one to 10 years to get the trees back to looking acceptable," Bizzell said.

Nearly every tree in Charleston, home of the annual Dogwood-Azalea Festival, was also damaged.

"The bigger trees were what were hit most because they're so top-heavy. I'm an eternal optimist, and I think the dogwoods will leaf out," said Claudia Arington, executive director of Charleston Chamber of Commerce.

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