In this episode of the Kansas Canopy Podcast, we talk with K-State graduate student Emily Rowe about her research exploring the possibility of developing male-only eastern redcedar trees. The goal: maintain the benefits of this hardy native species while limiting its ability to spread. If you’ve ever wondered whether science could help solve this complex problem, this episode offers a fascinating look behind the research!

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American plum (Prunus americana) is a hardy, native shrub found across most of Kansas, commonly growing along pastures, roadsides, and woodland edges. It forms dense thickets that provide excellent wildlife habitat and erosion control, while also producing small red-to-orange fruits in late summer that can be used for jams, jellies, and wine. Its bright white flowers are easy to spot in the spring and are currently in bloom for much of the state!

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Early spring is the time to remove dead pine trees infected with pine wilt to prevent further spread by nematodes and beetles. Most trees infected with Pine Wilt will die very quickly, within weeks or months, typically between August to December. Infected pine trees should be cut down as soon as possible after dying. Although May 1 is the latest date to remove infected trees, April 1 is the preferred deadline to help prevent beetles from emerging. The removed trees should be cut at ground level, with the wood immediately chipped or burned to avoid further spread of disease.

pine wilt symptoms and control

Prescribed burning is an efficient tool available to land managers to reduce their risk of loss during a wildfire. Prescribed fire also plays a vital role in maintaining the health and diversity of all landscapes across Kansas. On our website, you can find resources on creating a burn plan, ways to connect with prescribed burn associations, and contact information for organizations and contractors that can provide additional assistance.

prescribed burning

Remove a Callery pear tree from your property and we will offer a free native tree as a replacement!

These programs will offer replacement trees to folks who sign up and can show proof that they have removed a Callery pear tree from their property.

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana) and its cultivars: ‘Bradford’, ‘Cleveland Select’, ‘Aristocrat’, are all eligible for this program.

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