Tree Service in Halstead, KS

Halstead is a Harvey County town of about 2,179 people, west of Newton and northwest of Wichita. Most people who call us for tree service in Halstead have a storm on their mind, and with good reason. Two of the stronger straight-line wind events in recent years hit this area hard.

August 21, 2019

When straight-line winds blew through the Wichita area on August 21, 2019, one of the reports in the NWS summary described multiple trees downed about 6.5 miles northeast of Halstead. Downed trees, not just limbs. That usually points to root problems, saturated soil, or trees that had grown in a sheltered spot suddenly taking full wind.

May 19, 2024

Five years later, the May 19, 2024 derecho brought an estimated 60 mph gust from a trained spotter five miles northwest of Halstead, with widespread tree damage and power outages in the area. Next door in Newton, there was extensive tree damage with many roads blocked. A 60 mph gust is strong but not extreme; damage that widespread means plenty of trees were carrying deadwood, decay or weak forks beforehand.

How we approach older Halstead trees

Halstead was platted in 1873 and incorporated in 1877, named for Civil War correspondent and newspaper editor Murat Halstead. That's 150 years of yard trees. Our usual process for an older tree: 1. Look at the whole tree from the ground: lean, crown density, dead limbs, and what's under it 2. Check the base and root flare for decay, fungus, cracks or soil heaving 3. Look closely at forks and old wounds for cracks or trapped bark 4. Recommend pruning, cabling or removal, with reasons 5. Write up the price, cleanup and timing

The Hertzler connection

Halstead is known as the home of Arthur E. Hertzler, the Horse-and-Buggy Doctor, who practiced medicine there for 50 years and founded the Hertzler Hospital, later Halstead Hospital. It's a reminder of how long this has been a settled town, with many homes and yards going back generations.

Elms, pines and ash

Older Kansas towns have a lot of elms, and K-State says Dutch elm disease is now found throughout Kansas. Pine wilt hits Scots and Austrian pines statewide. Emerald ash borer hasn't been confirmed in Harvey County according to K-State's July 2023 list, which named 13 counties in northeast Kansas, and K-State advises that no treatment is needed until the insect is confirmed within 30 miles of your tree. We'll tell you if your ash trees are worth protecting when that time comes.

After a storm

If a tree is on your house or blocking a road, call (316) 512-2394 and leave the details. Trees on structures and over walkways get scheduled first. For less urgent damage, we'll set up a visit and give you a written estimate. Get a free estimate