Poll finds rural Nebraskans noticing fewer trees

Most rural Nebraskans have noticed fewer trees in their community or surrounding area over the past five years, according to the latest results from the 2026 Nebraska Rural Poll.

Of respondents to the poll, conducted annually by Rural Prosperity Nebraska with funding from Nebraska Extension, 32% have noticed many fewer trees in their area, and 31% have noticed slightly fewer. An additional 32% have not seen a noticeable change, and only 5% see more trees in their area.

Perceptions differ by region. Respondents in northeast and southeast Nebraska are more likely to have noticed tree loss in their areas over the past five years. About seven in 10 respondents in these regions have seen area tree loss, compared with 47% of respondents in the north-central region. Respondents in the north-central region are the most likely to say they have seen no noticeable change (45%).

PHOTO: Orange sugar maple trees line a paved driveway. (Adobe Stock │ #179289287 – Margaret Burlingham)