Improving wildlife habitat, timber harvest, and recreation are among the top reasons landowners are calling north central rural district forester Thad Rhodes. In this episode, Thad guides us through the what, how, and why of timber stand improvement projects, sharing his perspective on how forestry objectives have evolved over the last 20 years. 

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Pecan, 

Carya illinoinensis, truly are multipurpose trees. In the home landscape, these sturdy trees provide ample shade and bright yellow fall color. Conservationists appreciate the food pecan trees produce for squirrels, turkeys, and deer. In southeastern Kansas, wild pecan trees have been brought under cultivation to provide farmers with additional income. In Kansas, the Champion pecan tree at Fort Leavenworth is more than 200 years old!

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As Callery pear control continues to be a challenge, we have a new publication detailing effective control. Callery pear infestations have been documented in 60 of Kansas’ 105 counties. For many of the same reasons Callery pear was valued in the landscape as a tough tree, it is now proving difficult to eradicate as it spreads into areas where it is an unwanted disrupter and displacer of native and/or desirable vegetation.

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Community forests support healthier, stronger communities by providing physical and mental health benefits, boosting local economies, and enhancing environmental and social well-being. Our new Enhancing Community Forests page highlights the many ways the Kansas Forest Service’s Community Forestry Program helps communities grow and care for their tree canopy.

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Sunscald and frost cracks can seriously harm trees with thin, smooth bark, especially on the southwest side. Honey locusts, fruit trees, ashes, oaks, maples, lindens, and willows and other thin-barked trees are most commonly affected. Use light-colored, flexible tree wraps to shield trunks in the winter to prevent damage.

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