Publications
Champion Trees of Kansas
A large tree has a certain mystique. How old is it? What sights and sounds has it witnessed? What historical significance...
Kansas Forest Service: Serving Your Needs L847
Kansas has 1.5 million acres of natural woodland. Although less than 3 percent of the total land area, these woodlands are extremely important in providing such benefits as wood products, wildlife...Scholarship Reimbursement Form
The following information is required when requesting reimbursement for training, workshop or conference expenses as approved by the Kansas Forest Service.Scholarship Request Form
This form can be filled out online. Simply open the PDF and type your information directly on to the form. Then, it can be printed out and submitted. This form is required when applying for training, workshop, or conference scholarships as offered by the Kansas Forest Service.- Service Providers in Kansas
The Kansas Forest Service does not promote or endorse any consultant, contractor, processor, or buyer and provides these lists as a service to the people of Kansas.
Rural Forestry
Forestry Products
- The Nature Conservancy: Kansas Chapter
The Nature Conservancy is the largest conservation organization in the state of Kansas. Since 1989, the Conservancy has protected over 100,000 acres of land across the state including tallgrass prairies, wetlands, mixed-grass prairies and short-grass prairies.
Conservation Trees and Shrubs
Kansas Forest Service offers low-cost tree and shrub seedlings for use in conservation plantings. These plants are 1 or 2 years old, and their sizes vary from 12 to 18 inches, depending on species.Trees and Shrubs for Pollinators
When planting, consider these native woody plants that support pollinators.Conservation Tree Planting Schedule L871
Conservation tree plantings are an important asset on any farm or ranch in Kansas.Tree Planting Guide L596
Tree planting is an important part of our Kansas heritage. Since settlement days, Kansans have planted trees for timber, fuel wood, field borders, boundary lines, wind protection and wildlife habitat.Weed Barrier Fabric Mulch MF2216
Weed barrier fabric mulch is a polypropylene geotextile product with a texture like burlap. The woven fabric resists deterioration from exposure to sunlight. It is not plastic and will...Weed Control Options In Tree Plantings L848
In tree plantings, weeds are defined as plants that seriously compete with trees for space, sunlight, moisture, and nutrients. Weeds in tree plantings may be grasses, broadleaf weeds, shrubs, vines...Chemical Weed Control for Field Crops, Pastures, Rangeland, and Noncropland SRP1081
To control weeds effectively, select control methods carefully and use them properly. Chemicals, tillage, crop competition, cropping rotation, mowing, and fire are alternative weed control methods that may be used alone or in combination.Rabbit Protective Tubes
The Rabbit Protective Tubes are an economical, effective method for protecting young seedlings from rabbit and other animal damage for up to three years.Root Protective Slurry
Root protective slurry is a super-absorbent polymerr (cross linked 100% pure potassium polyacrylate). It is a nontoxic, nonirritant compound with...Tips On Planting Trees And Shrubs
Site preparation is critical to the survival of seedlings. Any vegetation competing with the seedlings for moisture or nutrients should be removed. If the planting site is...Tips For Installing Weed Barrier Fabric
Weed barrier fabric is a woven, polypropylene fabric. Used to enhance survival and growth on tree and shrub plantings, it allows water to penetrate, but does not allow weeds to grow...Tree Tubes
Tree tubes are an effective method to protect deciduous trees from rabbits, deer, and mechanical injuries. The tubes are 4-foot tall, translucent polyethylene cylinders which allow enough light...
Tree City USA Program
Information on the Tree City USA Program in the state of Kansas.
Click here to see the 40th Annual Recognition for Tree City USA Communities, Tree Line USA, and Tree Campus USA Program (Recognition held in 2019)Community Forestry Organizations and Contacts
List of Community Forestry Professional and Volunteer Contacts.- Northwest Preferred Trees
All About Pruning C550
Correct pruning is as important for the long life of a tree as is disease and insect control. Most of the pruning and tree training operation can be done by homeowners...Fertilizing Trees in the Landscape MF2707
Shade and ornamental trees and shrubs often benefit from added fertilizer. Fertilization can result in more rapid growth; faster recovery ...Handling and Planting Container Grown Trees MF1119
While many experienced landscape professionals prefer field-grown balled and bur lapped trees for landscape plantings, the nursery industry is producing greater numbers of container-grown ...Iron Chlorosis in Trees MF718
Iron chlorosis occurs when iron in the soil is either deficient or unavailable to the tree. Several species of ornamental and forest trees in Kansas suffer ...Selecting and Planting a Tree L870
When choosing trees at the nursery be sure to select a high quality product. This illustration identifies most points to look for in a dormant specimen tree 5 feet or more in height.Staking and Guying Landscape Trees MF1120
Staking or guying landscape trees on exposed sites can be an important ingredient to tree planting success in the Great Plains. While current research seems to suggest that such practices ...Trees and Shrubs for Difficult Sites MF2205
Lists of trees and shrubs for dry and wet locations.Trees and Shrubs that Attract Songbirds and Wildlife L845
Lists of trees and shrubs that attract wildlife. Provides information on the quality and season of food, cover and nesting quality, Plant range, and habitat, and some general remarks about the plant.Urban and Community Forestry Program L797
The purpose of the Urban and Community Forest Program in Kansas is to provide for the planting and management of public trees in cities and towns. This includes trees growing on street right of ways
- Smokey Hills Windbreak Assessment
- Assessing Windbreak Condition in Coronado Crossing RC & D
Chain Saws: Safety, Operation, and Tree Felling Techniques MF2103
A chain saw is a valuable, labor saving tool for homeowners, forest landowners, and professional loggers.Chemical Weed Control In Tree Plantings MF656
Herbicides are either pre-emergence, applied before weed seeds germinate, or post-emergence, applied after weed seeds germinate.Forest Management for Wildlife MF2899
For the landowner, wooded areas offer aesthetic beauty, improve water and air quality, provide valuable wildlife habitat, and offer income opportunities.- Great Plains Initiative 2
Assessing windbreaks in the rural landscapes of the Great Plains. Identification of windbreaks in Kansas.
Improving Black Walnut Stands L718
Location and condition of windbreaks in western KS using object-based image analysis,GIS and field surveys.
Black walnut trees, found growing throughout Kansas, have provided landowners good cash returns.Improving Your Woodland For Timber Productions L725
Kansas has 1.4 million acres of forest land. Ninety-six percent of it is privately owned. As costs of land ownership increase, many landowners are looking for ways to increase their income.Living Snow Fences In Kansas L744
Blowing and drifting snow closes many state, county, and private roads during winter in Kansas.Managing Your Woodland For Firewood Productions MF773
Most woodlands could be producing much greater quantity and quality of firewood and other benefits than they are under current management.- Marketing Kansas Timber C542
This publication is designed to assist woodland owners in marketing their timber products. - North American Agroforestry
An Integrated Science and Practice, 2nd edition, H.E. Garrett (ed.), 5th Chapter. Windbreaks increase crop yields. - Planting Black Walnut For Timber L731
Black walnut is the most valuable timber tree in Kansas. Its chocolate colored wood is highly desired for fine furniture, veneer, interior finish, cabinets, and gunstocks. The wood is straight grained. - Windbreak & Shelterbelt Appraisal CF02-2008
Living windbreaks and shelterbelts are important assets in rural areas of the Great Plains. - Windbreak Management MF815
Windbreaks require management to remain healthy and effective. Just as a forest can be managed to yield more benefits, a windbreak can be managed to maintain an effective. - Windbreaks For Kansas MF2120
Windbreaks are a valuable asset on farms, ranches, and homesites. - Windbreaks For Wildlife MF805
Windbreaks have been planted in Kansas for a variety of reasons. Some were planted for landscaping by settlers who missed the forests of their earlier homes. - Woodland Management For Farms And Ranches C672
Most farm as ranches in Kansa contain some woodland. Unfortunately, many landowners are not realizing maximum benefits from their woodland acres.
Prescribed Fire Contractors and Consultants
A listing of available private contractors and consultants who will help with conducting prescribed burning and/or developing burn plans.Chain Saws: Safety, Operation, and Tree Felling MF2103
A chain saw is a valuable, labor saving tool for homeowners, forest landowners, and professional loggers. However, when used improperly...Protecting Your Property From Wildfire MF2241
Wildfires are a fact of life on the prairie. Fire itself is not bad. It served as a natural control agent to promote grasses and restrict brush and trees from becoming dominate before...Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Information MF2775
Describes a Red Flag warning and provides further fire weather resources.
- Biochar
- Down the Wormhole
Missouri bootheel farmer JR Bollinger discusses his experiences in 2015 in his first year of full commitment to growing corn, soybeans and milo by principles and practices of carbon-smart, biological agriculture. - How to Use Biochar in Barns
The most efficient process is to use biochar directly in the barn where it can capture nitrogen from urine and manure as it is generated. - How to Use Biochar in Compost
The composting process is governed by various physical parameters that are subject to alteration by the addition of biochar materials as bulking agents. - Make Your Own Biochar Stove
This book will teach you how to use recycled materials to make a simple stove that will cook meals and make biochar from clean, dry biomass. - Small Scale Biochar Production
There are many designs to choose from when selecting a biochar production method. How do you know which is right for you? - Biochar Kiln Drawings - Oregon Kiln and Ring of Fire Kiln
Drawing plans for two styles of biochar kilns. - Using a Flame Cap Kiln to Make Biochar
The Flame Cap Kiln method uses a container to exclude air from the bottom and sides of a pile of burning biomass.
- Down the Wormhole
Kansas State-Wide Woody Biomass Supply & Utilization Assessment
Woody biomass utilization offers opportunities to produce renewable energy, develop bio-based businesses, generate energy cost savings and create new markets for low value waste wood resources.- Timber Product Output (TPO) Reports
Growing Pecans in Kansas MF1025
Service Providers in Kansas
The Kansas Forest Service does not promote or endorse any consultant, contractor, processor, or buyer and provides these lists as a service to the people of Kansas.
- Riparian Forests Protect Streambanks
Streambank erosion is a natural adjustment process of rivers, but lateral mitigation rates of the stream channel can be accelerated, especially by variables that bank material and flow stress in the near-bank region. - Fencing
Fencing encloses or divides an area with a suitable permanent structure that acts as a barrier to livestock or people. The type of fence selected... - Riparian Forest Buffer
Riparian forests are located adjacent to streams (both perennial and intermittent), and open bodies of water (Figure 1). They differ from... - Delaware River Watershed Riparian Forest Assessment
- Spring River Watershed Riparian Forest Assessment Classifies functioning conditions of Riparian Forest and targets areas along the Spring River Watershed to focus tree planting to reduce sedimentation along stream banks.
- Timber Harvesting
Riparian areas are areas adjacent to intermittent and perennial streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. They protect water quality by filtering... - Timber Stand Improvement
Most woodlands in Kansas are along rivers and streams in riparian forests. A healthy riparian forest is needed to provide maximum benefits for timber... - Tree and Shrub Planting
Tree and shrub planting in riparian areas reestablishes native riparian forests by hand planting or machine planting nursery-grown seedlings... - Tree Revetments
Tree revetments are cut trees anchored at the bottom (or toe) of unstable streambanks. These anchored trees serve to slow the current along the... Twin Lakes River Watershed Riparian Forest Assessment
Classifies functioning conditions of Riparian Forest and targets areas in the Twin Lakes Watershed to focus on tree planting, bank stabilization and forest management to reduce sedimentation and nutrient runoff from croplands.
- Understanding Sedimentation of Kansas Lakes Assessment of lake sedimentation and three watershed to determine causes of different rates. See pg 155 comparing Riparian woodlands of three northeast Kansas watersheds.
- Willow Cuttings
Many eroding streambanks in Kansas have been devegetated through land conversion or floods. These areas of exposed soil are susceptible to scour...
- Willow Cuttings
- RCPP 10 watershed assessment study report