As we move into September we realize that the fall season will soon be upon us.

While it seems it is about time to put summer yard work to rest till next spring, mid-September through mid-October is an ideal time to plant trees in our area. The rains this year enabled the City of Hays to allow watering any time except from noon until 7 p.m. daily. This makes it reasonable to consider planting trees in Hays.

Growing trees in northwest Kansas can be a challenge due to the summer heat and recurring drought conditions; therefore it is important to choose trees that have been shown to tolerate just such conditions.

K-State Research and Extension has compiled a list of drought tolerant trees. That list includes but is not limited to: Large Deciduous Trees (over 45’) such as American Elm, Bur Oak, Chinkapin Oak, Hackberry, Thornless Honey Locust, and Kentucky Coffeetree: Medium Deciduous Trees (30-45’) such as Golden raintree, Lacebark Elm, Osage Orange (thornless & fruitless), and Sawtooth Oak: and Small Deciduous Trees (under 30’) such as Flowering Crabapple (disease resistant), Redbud, and Thornless Cockspur Hawthorn. More information can be found by talking to the local green houses, the Ellis County K-State Extension Office, and the City of Hays Parks Dept. or at http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc1466.ashx.

Two more excellent resources available on the internet or from the Ellis County K-State office include one on deciduous shrubs, http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF3116.pdf and a second one on evergreen shrubs, http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF3117.pdf.

If you decide to plant a tree, the City of Hays has a Tree Rebate Program. A project of the Hays Beautification Committee is to tag trees that qualify for the City of Hays rebate program at the various nurseries and stores that offer trees in Hays. The trees that are tagged are most appropriate for planting in Hays. Residents of the city of Hays who plant these tagged trees are eligible for the reimbursement of up to ½ the cost of a newly planted tree (including tax) with the maximum reimbursement of $50.00. There is a limit of two rebates for newly planted trees per property per calendar year. To be eligible for the rebate the trees must be purchased from an established dealer in Ellis County. Qualifying trees planted in either the front or back yard are eligible for the rebate.

For a newly planted tree to have a better chance of growing and thriving several steps are necessary including proper planting, appropriate mulching, and appropriate watering.

There are several sources from which to find appropriate methods of planting trees including the local library and The Ellis County K-State Extension office. Some of the things to consider are to dig a hole 2 to 3 times the diameter of the tree ball or the container which the tree has been grown. A newly planted tree’s best friend is mulch made of chipped wood, bark, or similar material. Mulch insulates the soil helping to provide a buffer from heat and cold temperatures, retains water helping to keep the roots moist, keeps weeds out to help prevent root competition, prevents soil compaction, and reduces lawn mower damage. The mulch does need to be kept 2 to 3 inches away from the tree trunk. Free mulch is available at the City of Hays Parks Department. Also remember, drought tolerant does not mean plant it and forget it. All plants require moisture to become established! The soil a few inches below the surface should be damp BUT NOT waterlogged.
With appropriate planting and care a tree will bring pleasure to your yard and your neighborhood for many years.

For questions or comments regarding anything discussed in this article please contact the Parks Dept. at (785) 628-7375.

Janis Lee is vice-chairperson of the Hays Beautification Committee.