City Foresters Present Urban Forest State to Support Tree City USA Application

The Overland Park City Council meeting on September 3, 2025, highlighted the city’s commitment to its urban forest, with a focus on the ongoing Tree City USA application and the importance of tree maintenance and education. Bailey Patterson, the City Forester, along with fellow foresters and council representatives, presented the state of the urban forest, emphasizing the city’s long-standing dedication to greenery, which dates back to the establishment of the city forester position in 1976.

The presentation underscored the city’s achievements, including 48 years as a Tree City USA and the successful distribution of 1,725 seedlings during Arbor Day. The council discussed the challenges posed by pests like oak wilt and the Asian longhorned beetle, which threaten local tree populations. They are actively monitoring these issues to protect the city’s mature oak trees.

A significant concern raised was the maintenance of 8,000 new trees planted to replace those lost to the ash borer. The responsibility for caring for these trees currently falls on homeowners, which poses a challenge as many may not be equipped or willing to undertake this task. The council is exploring educational initiatives to inform residents about proper tree care, including potential pamphlets and community outreach.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued public education and advocacy efforts, ensuring that residents are engaged and informed about the importance of maintaining Overland Park’s urban forest. The council is eager to finalize the urban forest plan and integrate it into the city’s broader development strategies, reinforcing the community's commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.