2020 Tree Fest to feature tough trees for our tough climate
Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020
Redbuds, such as the one shown here, are one tree than can withstand the tough Kansas climate.
WICHITA — Kansas trees have nowhere to hide when brutal winds, floods, droughts, ice storms, and other weather extremes move through our area. Anchored in place and put to the test by our tough climate, it is critical that we plant the right tree for our growing conditions. This year's theme for Tree Fest will focus on "Spotlighting Tough Trees for Our Tough Climate". Throughout Tree Fest, the event will feature information on some of the toughest trees that grow in Kansas. Participants can also expect to learn the planting and maintenance needed in order for those tough trees to thrive.
Tree care professionals will be on hand at the 2020 Tree Festival to share their free advice on these topics, and more. K-State Research & Extension – Sedgwick County is hosting Tree Festival on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center, 21st and Ridge Road in Wichita, Kansas. Visit with tree experts from the Kansas Forest Service, City of Wichita Forestry Department, Kansas Arborist Association, K-State Research & Extension, and many local arborists. Admission is FREE.
Seminars and demonstrations include appropriate topics for both the homeowner and commercial audiences. 25 free trees will be raffled off throughout the day. Free trees will be raffled off after each presentation & demonstration to audience members who attended each session. No purchase necessary, but you must be present for each presentation/demonstration to win. The more presentations & demonstrations you attend, the better your odds of winning a free tree!
Plant vendors from around the region will have unique trees and plants for sale, as well as other tree related crafts, furniture, and décor.
Seminars and Demonstrations include:
Seminar Presentations (in 4-H Hall, North):
9:00 am – Tough Native Trees & Shrubs - Scott Vogt, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
10:00am – How To Avoid "Getting Bored" By Wood Boring Insects - Dr. Raymond Cloyd, Professor & Extension Entomology Specialist, K-State Department of Entomology
11:00am – Champion Trees of Kansas – Tim McDonnell, Community Forestry Coordinator, Kansas Forest Service
12:00pm – Developing Tough Trees for Our Tough Climate – Doug Grimm, Owner of Grimm's Gardens
Demonstrations (in Sunflower Room & on the Grounds):
8:30am – Composting Leaves and Other Plant Material
9:15am – Rose Pruning
10:00am – Tree Pruning and The Tools You'll Need
10:45am – Tree Planting
11:30am – Evergreen Tree Walk
12:30pm – Shrub Pruning
Demonstrations will be led by Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers and K-State Research & Extension Horticulture Agents.
A Pancake and Sausage Breakfast ($5) will be available, there will be a crafts for children, and Master Gardener Volunteers will be on hand to answer your tree and gardening questions.
The Tools & Treasures Sale will also be going on at the Sedgwick County Extension Education Center from 8:00am to 1:00pm in the Bison Room. Shop from new & gently used gardening tools, supplies, garden art, landscape décor, and more! Discount pots & garden containers, birdhouses, tools, and trellises are just a few of the items you will find for sale! Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit the Sedgwick County Extension Master Gardener Volunteer program.
