what evergreen tree is cold hardy below zero in kansas

For Kansas, the safest evergreen choices for below-zero cold are usually Eastern redcedar , Black Hills spruce , and some junipers and arborvitae that are recommended for Kansas conditions. Kansas State Extension specifically notes that evergreens for Kansas should be chosen for winter hardiness to about zone 6b and that Eastern redcedar, upright Chinese juniper, and certain arborvitaes are dependable options; it also says Black Hills spruce is among the more heat-tolerant spruces for the state.

Best picks

• Eastern redcedar : very tough, drought tolerant, and widely used in Kansas landscapes.

• Black Hills spruce : a good cold-hardy spruce option, though it prefers well-drained sites.

• Upright Chinese juniper : similar look to redcedar, with good landscape performance in Kansas.

• Oriental arborvitae : noted as dependable in Kansas heat and drought conditions.

What to avoid

• Pines like Scots, Austrian, mugo, and Japanese black pine are specifically discouraged in part of Kansas because of pine wilt issues.

• Broadleaf evergreens can still suffer in very cold or dry winters, especially if the soil is dry.

Simple rule

If you want one solid answer: Eastern redcedar is probably the toughest all- around evergreen tree for Kansas below zero. If you want a more ornamental look, Black Hills spruce is another strong candidate, but site it carefully in well-drained soil.

Would you like a short list by size, like small, medium, and large evergreen trees for Kansas?