Forestry
Trees are one of Overland Park’s most important assets.
Not only do they shade our streets and sidewalks, they filter pollutants from our air, intercept stormwater runoff reducing erosion, cool the air and store carbon. Trees provide a feeling of community, slow traffic when planted near streets, and increase property values.
Contact
Bailey Patterson
City Forester
913-327-6639
Laura Peterson
City Forester
913-327-6634
Tree City USA
Overland Park is proud to be a Tree City USA since 1978.
The Arbor Day Foundation recognizes cities across the country that meet standards of sound urban forestry management with Tree City USA designation.
Learn more about OP’s Tree City USA designation on the Arbor Day Foundation website.
Street Trees
There are tens of thousands of street trees in Overland Park.
Learn more about how the city handles street tree maintenance, learn which ones are best to plant, and see a map of the street trees in your neighborhood.
State Champion Trees in Overland Park
A Champion Tree is the largest tree of its species. The Kansas Forest Service designates champion trees by a point system calculated using the tree’s circumference, height and crown spread. Identifying Champion Trees honors large, resilient trees, increases awareness of a variety of tree species and promotes preservation for both historical and scientific interests.
Four Kansas State Champion Trees grow in Overland Park.
Black Cherry
Location: Church of the Holy Cross, 8311 93rd St.
Height: 62’
Circumference: 3’
Crown Spread: 62’
Scientific Name: Prunus serotina
Cherrybark Oak
Location: 9740 Roe Ave.
Height: 83’
Circumference: 8’11”
Crown Spread: 71’
Scientific Name: Quercus pagoda
*This Champion Tree is a street tree. Please adhere to parking signs in the area.
Post Oak
Location: Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, 8908 W 179th St.
Height: 60’
Circumference: 2’
Crown Spread: 62’
Scientific Name: Quercus stellata
Shingle Oak
Location: Family Tree Nursery, 8424 Farley St.
Height: 80’
Circumference: 13’6”
Crown Spread: 90’
Scientific Name: Quercus imbricaria
City Forests
| Forest | Location | Year Established |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Tree Forest | Indian Valley Park | 1991 |
| Redbud/Whitebud Forest | Foxhill North Park | 1992 |
| Crabapple Forest | Roe Park | 1993 |
| Powerline Planting “Look Before You Leaf” | Sapling Grove Park | 1994 |
| Official Street Tree | Quivira Park | 1997 |
| Baldcypress Forest | Arboretum | 1998 |
| Oak Forest | Arboretum | 1999 |
| Recommended Trees for OP | Forest Creek Path | 1999 |
| Apple Orchard | Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead | 2003 |
| Nut Tree Forest | Cross Creek | 2006 |
| Evergreen Screen Forest | Pinehurst Estates Park | 2009 |
| Plant Pink | Indian Creek Recreation Center | 2010 |
Forest Photos
