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Bellevue Tree Board reports 3,126-tree inventory, 32 trees planted in 2025 and outlines emerald ash borer response
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Summary
Nancy Scott told the Bellevue City Council the Tree Board added 32 trees in 2025, completed a 3,126-tree inventory in TreePlotter and outlined an Emerald Ash Borer response that recommended removal of about 20 park ash trees this winter.
Nancy Scott, a longtime member of Bellevue's Tree Board, told the Bellevue City Council on March 3 that the board continued outreach, pruning and planting work in 2025 and has moved the city's tree inventory into the TreePlotter system.
"Our board's mission is to plant, nurture, protect, and preserve trees," Scott said during the annual Tree Board presentation. She reported the TreePlotter inventory now lists "3,126 city property trees," and told the council that the board added 32 trees in 2025, including 30 memorial plantings at Banner Park.
Scott outlined education and volunteer efforts, saying the board conducts Arbor Day plantings at local schools, runs tree-care workshops and staffs a weekly information table at the Farmers Market. She also listed partnerships with the Nebraska Forest Service, Fontenelle Forest and other local organizations to support tree inspections and oak-forest revitalization.
On the emerald ash borer (EAB), Scott said the board and parks staff evaluated ash trees in parks and provided a status report: of 179 assessed park ash trees, about 105 remain and 20 were recommended for removal over the winter to address safety and tree-health concerns. Councilman Preister emphasized the need to replace removed trees, noting the city's requirement that two trees be planted for every one removed and pointing to a state grant opportunity that can fund removals and replacements.
Scott also summarized the Tree Board's recorded volunteer support and in-kind donations, including donated mulch and volunteer hours. The mayor and several council members thanked the board for its ongoing work.
The presentation closed with Scott urging continued public engagement and use of the city's tree resources and educational programs.
What happens next: councilmembers noted grants may be pursued to support tree replacements and said staff and the Tree Board will continue inventory, removal and replacement planning.
