Midwest region
Tree removal and tree care in Kansas
Kansas tree emergencies come from ice and wind. The December 10–11, 2007 ice storm put 1 to 2 inches of ice on much of the state and was the costliest in Kansas history. Pine wilt, spread by the pine sawyer beetle, has killed so many Scots pines that extension specialists no longer recommend planting them. Evergy generally prunes for at least 10 feet of clearance around its lines.
City guides in Kansas
Ice is Kansas's worst tree storm. In December 2007, widespread 1- to 2-inch ice accumulations broke trees, lines and poles across the state, and electrical infrastructure damage alone topped $135 million. Spring and summer bring tornadoes and straight-line winds across open country, where windbreaks and yard trees take the brunt.
Pine wilt is an invasive disease caused by a microscopic nematode carried by the pine sawyer beetle. It kills Scots pine fastest, and Austrian pines too, and it has been spreading westward across Kansas. Dead pines should be removed and destroyed before beetles emerge in spring to carry it further.
Reviewed and updated
Ice, wind, pine wilt and lines in Kansas
Ice storms
December 2007: 1–2 inches of ice; the costliest storm in Kansas history.
Pine wilt
Kills Scots and Austrian pines; spreading westward.
Tornadoes and straight-line winds
Spring and summer storms across open terrain.
Line clearance
Evergy prunes for at least 10 ft of clearance.
Pine wilt: what to do with a dying pine
- 1
Spot it
A pine that turns from green to brown in a few weeks, often in late summer or fall, is a pine wilt suspect.
- 2
Confirm
K-State Research and Extension can test wood samples.
- 3
Remove before spring
Cut and destroy the tree before pine sawyer beetles emerge to spread the nematode.
- 4
Replant differently
Choose species other than Scots and Austrian pine.
Kansas tree rules and line clearance
- Kansas has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots; cities manage street trees.
- Evergy generally prunes for at least 10 feet of clearance around its lines and cycles through its network every five to six years.
- K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Forest Service advise removing and destroying pine-wilt-killed pines before beetles emerge.
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.
Pines, cedars, oaks and cottonwoods
- Scots and Austrian pine
- Pine wilt kills them; replace with other species
- Eastern redcedar
- Windbreaks; invasive in grasslands
- Hackberry and bur oak
- Tough natives
- Silver maple and Siberian elm
- Brittle; ice breakage
- Cottonwood
- State tree; huge, heavy limbs
Wichita guidance
Wichita's guide covers the 2007 ice storm, pine wilt in the city's Scots and Austrian pines, Plains wind and hail, and Evergy's line clearance.
Ice storms, wind and city trees.
Kansas services by risk
After ice storms and wind.
For pine-wilt-killed pines.
Reducing weak limbs before ice season.
After removal.
Kansas's seasons for tree work
Ice is the winter threat and wind, hail and tornadoes the spring and summer ones. Late winter is the time to remove pine-wilt-killed pines and reduce brittle limbs before the next storm.
- Winter
- Ice storms
- Spring–summer
- Tornadoes, hail and wind
- Late winter
- Remove pine-wilt-killed pines before beetles emerge
Kansas tree questions
What was the worst ice storm in Kansas?
The December 10–11, 2007 storm, with 1–2 inches of ice and more than $135 million in electrical infrastructure damage alone.
What is killing pine trees in Kansas?
Pine wilt, caused by a nematode carried by the pine sawyer beetle. Scots pines die fastest.
What should I do with a pine-wilt-killed pine?
Remove it and destroy the wood (chip, burn or bury) before spring, when beetles emerge to spread the disease.
How much clearance does Evergy keep around lines?
Generally at least 10 feet.
Is the cottonwood a good yard tree in Kansas?
It's the state tree but grows huge with heavy limbs; give it room away from houses.
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Kansas?
Not statewide for private yard trees; check your city for street trees.
Need tree help in Kansas?
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.