Planting native landscaping reduces the amount of surface runoff that flows into our waterways. It helps rain infiltrate into the ground slowly to recharge streams, lakes, and wetlands at a more natural pace.

Stormwater runoff that flows through native landscapes is filtered, and contaminants are removed by plants and soil, results in cleaner, safer water.

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost or a rain or pollinator garden, up to $1,000.

Rain barrels are 55-gallon barrels that capture water that would otherwise go down storm sewers and diverts it to areas of your property where it’s needed. They can help cut down on your water bill and move water away from your house that might otherwise cause foundation or flooding issues.

Rain barrels can be incorporated into your landscaping by planting or screening around the barrel. They are subject to applicable laws, including, but not limited to, the city property maintenance codes.

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost of a rain barrel, up to $75.

Planting native trees reduces the amount of rainfall that reaches the ground, and therefore the amount of stormwater runoff. Trees filter out pollutants and sediment, taking up water from the soil through their roots, resulting in cleaner, safer water.

Native Trees for Overland Park

Trees must be included on this list to qualify for the city’s cost share program.

• American Basswood
• Black Cherry
• Black Walnut
• Black Willow
• Bur Oak
• Chinquapin Oak
• Common Sycamore
• Downy Hawthorn
• Downy Serviceberry
• Hackberry
• Kentucky Coffee Tree
• Paw Paw
• Pecan
• Persimmon
• Redbud
• Roughleaf Dogwood
• Sandbar Willow
• Shagbark Hickory
• Shingle Oak
• Shumard’s Oak
• Sugar Maple
• Swamp White Oak
• Western Soapberry
• White Oak

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost of native tree plantings, up to $150.

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost of native buffers and swales, up to $1,000.

Riparian plants cover land along stream banks, absorbing water and energy during storms and reducing the impact of flooding.

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost of riparian plants, up to $1,000.

Overland Park will cover 50 percent of the cost of a rain cistern, up to $1,000.

Alternative materials including pervious asphalt, pervious concrete, interlocking pavers, and plastic grid pavers, allow rain and snowmelt to seep through the surface down to underlying layers of soil and gravel.

Floating wetlands are container gardens that float on the surface of water. Local marsh and wetland plants filter pollutants in the water.