The City of Overland Park began its Ash Tree Removal Program this week to proactively remove and replace ash street trees impacted by emerald ash borer, an invasive beetle that feeds on and kills ash trees. The City will replant one tree for every ash street tree removed as part of the program.
Beginning in the Beverly Estates neighborhood, crews will make their way through 12 areas across the City already impacted by the emerald ash borer. Signs will be posted at neighborhood entrances and door hangers will be distributed to alert neighbors of an estimated removal date in their area. Work will continue seven days a week, weather permitting, until the project is complete.
Approximately 8,000 ash street trees make up nearly a quarter of the City’s street tree canopy. In all, the City will remove more than 2,400 ash street trees from these neighborhoods throughout the year.
Prior to 2023, the City removed approximately 3,000 dead or dying ash trees upon request at the rate of about 500 trees per year. Without a large-scale removal program, it would take the City more than 15 years to remove all the remaining ash street trees that will ultimately die.
Find more information on the program, including the removal and replanting process, the list of areas impacted by the program as well as answers to frequently asked questions on the project webpage here.