Johnson County Tree Guide

Learn about common trees in Johnson County and the Kansas City area, including native status, growth habits, seasonal behavior, storm concerns, and maintenance needs.

Native

Bur Oak

Large shade treeSlow to moderate

Excellent long-term Kansas shade tree with a broad mature canopy, strong wood, acorns, and high wildlife value.

View Tree Page

Native / regional

White Oak

Large shade treeSlow to moderate

Strong, long-lived oak with a rounded canopy, classic oak leaves, acorns, and strong hardwood.

View Tree Page

Native

Eastern Redbud

OrnamentalModerate

Small ornamental tree known for pink-purple spring flowers and heart-shaped leaves.

View Tree Page

Native

Hackberry

Shade treeModerate to fast

Tough Kansas shade tree that tolerates wind, clay soil, drought stress, and urban conditions.

View Tree Page

Native / regional

Shumard Oak

Large shade treeModerate

Large red oak type with strong form, good shade, and red-orange fall color.

View Tree Page

Native / regional

River Birch

Ornamental shadeFast

Known for peeling bark and multi-trunk form; performs best with adequate moisture.

View Tree Page

Native

Eastern Red Cedar

EvergreenSlow to moderate

Native evergreen useful for screening, wildlife cover, and wind protection.

View Tree Page

Native / common

Silver Maple

Fast shade treeFast

Fast-growing maple that creates quick shade but can have weak wood and storm breakage risk.

View Tree Page

Common landscape tree

Pin Oak

Shade treeModerate

Common suburban oak with lower branching tendency; can struggle with chlorosis in alkaline soils.

View Tree Page

Non-native

Bradford / Callery Pear

Ornamental / problem treeFast

Flowering ornamental tree known for weak branch structure, storm splitting, and invasive spread concerns.

View Tree Page