By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Hays Beautification Committee is promoting fall tree planting.
Between now and mid-October is “the best time” for planting trees in the Hays area, according to Jim Strine, an HBC committee member and recently retired Northwest Kansas District Forester.
“We’ve had some summer moisture, and now that the city recently eased the outdoor watering restrictions, this is a perfect opportunity to plant new trees, which need extra water to get them started,” Strine said.
“Of course, the temperatures aren’t as hot as summertime, the soil temperature is a lot better which allows the root system to get established before winter hits, and then the trees are already established before the hot weather hits,” he added.
The city of Hays has a rebate program for homeowners within the city limits who plant a “preferred or acceptable” tree for the local growing conditions.
Strine and other HBC volunteers have affixed neon pink tags on trees eligible for the rebate sold at local businesses. Research trials by K-State Research and Extension have determined which trees will thrive in the hot, windy and dry conditions prevalent in the area.
“There are some rules you have to follow,” said Hays Director of Parks Jeff Boyle.
“You can’t plant a tree where it will interfere with sight lines for drivers, or anywhere the tree would eventually grow tall enough to interfere with a power line.”
Details about the tree rebate program are available on the city’s website or in brochures available at Hays City Hall, the Parks Department and local vendors selling trees.
Ellis County Horticulture Extension Agent Holly Dickman will present a fall tree planting program Tuesdayin the Ellis County Meeting Room, 601 Main.
The free program starts at 7 p.m. Pre-registration is due Monday by calling the Ellis County Extension Office at (785) 628-9430.