Wind gusts down mature trees in Hays

tree down julie kitchener — A mature crab apple tree was split by high wind gusts in Hays Monday.

By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

At least two Hays homeowners lost mature trees to Monday’s high wind.

The National Weather Service reported northerly wind gusts from 43 mph to 57 mph late Monday afternoon. A 65-mph gust was recorded in WaKeeney, according to the NWS.

tree down barb wasinger — A mature Canadian red cherry tree was downed Monday in Hays by high wind.

Hays resident Barb Wasinger said one tree in her yard, a 12-year-old ornamental Canadian red cherry, was felled in today’s wind.

“My husband Tom and I just talked about it yesterday and remarked how it lovely it was to walk out our front door and know it was blooming by the smell,” she said.

Wasinger said they will replace the tree.

A mature crab apple tree was split by the wind and is lying across the sidewalk at Julie Kitchener’s house.

She’s unsure of its age.

“We’re going to count the rings when we cut it up tonight to get it off the sidewalk,” said Kitchener.