South Central region
Tree removal and tree care in Arkansas
Arkansas tree emergencies come from ice storms and tornadoes. The January 27–28, 2009 ice storm, the second worst in state history, put one to two inches of ice on the northern counties and caused $80 million in damage. Storm-damaged trees keep declining for years as decay sets in. Southern pine beetle attacks stressed pines, and Entergy Arkansas trims lines on roughly a five-year cycle.
The 2009 ice storm coated northern Arkansas with one to two inches of ice. Beyond the immediate breakage, the state's forest health reports noted a longer problem: broken limbs open countless entry points for decay fungi and insects, so damaged trees decline and fail for years afterward. A tree that lost big limbs in an ice storm is weaker the next time.
In the south and west, loblolly and shortleaf pines dominate. Southern pine beetle, the state's most destructive native pine bark beetle, attacks pines stressed by drought or overcrowding, and outbreaks can spread quickly through stands. Entergy Arkansas aims to trim every distribution line about once every five years, following ISA pruning guidelines.
Reviewed and updated
Ice, tornadoes, beetles and lines in Arkansas
Ice storms
January 2009: one to two inches of ice across northern Arkansas; decay followed for years.
Tornadoes
Spring and fall outbreaks snap and uproot trees statewide.
Southern pine beetle
Attacks drought-stressed or overcrowded pines.
Line clearance
Entergy Arkansas trims lines on about a five-year cycle.
Why ice-damaged trees keep failing
After an ice storm, the obvious damage is broken limbs and toppled trees. The slower damage comes later: every torn limb is an opening for decay fungi and insects. Arkansas's forest health reports after 2009 warned of problems for years as damaged trees declined. If a big tree near your house lost major limbs in ice, have it assessed rather than assuming it will recover.
Pines, oaks, sweetgums and cedars
- Loblolly and shortleaf pine
- Dominant pines; beetle and storm risk
- Post, white and red oaks
- Ozark and Ouachita hardwoods
- Sweetgum
- Common; surface roots
- Bradford pear
- Splits in ice
- Eastern redcedar
- Common on rocky Ozark soils
Arkansas tree rules and line clearance
- Arkansas has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities set their own street-tree rules.
- Entergy Arkansas trims distribution lines about every five years following ISA pruning guidelines, using professional contractors.
- The Arkansas Forestry Division runs a southern pine beetle prevention program with cost-share for thinning.
Sources (checked 2026-10-03)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
Arkansas's seasons for tree work
Northern Arkansas gets the worst ice in winter; spring brings tornadoes statewide; summer drought invites pine beetles in the south. Plan pruning and removals for late winter, before storm season.
- Winter
- Ice storms, especially in the north
- Spring
- Tornado and severe storm season
- Summer
- Drought stress; pine beetle risk
Ozarks, Delta and the piney woods
- Northern Arkansas and the Ozarks get the worst ice, with hardwoods on rocky, thin soils.
- The Delta in the east has big river-bottom hardwoods, flooding and wind exposure.
- Southern and western Arkansas are pine country, where beetles and wind are the issues.
Arkansas services by risk
After ice storms and tornadoes.
For ice-damaged trees with decay.
For beetle-killed pines.
Reducing weak limbs before ice season.
Clearing stumps after storm cleanup.
Arkansas tree questions
How bad was the 2009 ice storm in Arkansas?
It was the second worst in state history: one to two inches of ice across the northern counties and about $80 million in damage.
Why do trees keep dying years after an ice storm?
Broken limbs open entry points for decay fungi and insects, so damaged trees decline and fail long after the storm.
Who trims trees near power lines in Arkansas?
Entergy Arkansas, on about a five-year cycle, or your local co-op. Don't let a regular crew work near energized lines.
What kills pine trees in Arkansas?
Southern pine beetle, mainly in pines stressed by drought or overcrowding.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Arkansas?
Not statewide for private yard trees; check your city's rules for street trees.
When is tornado season in Arkansas?
Spring is the peak, with a secondary season in late fall.
Need tree help in Arkansas?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.