The Arbor Day Foundation named Overland Park a 2024 Tree City, honoring the City’s commitment to plant, grow and maintain trees to benefit the community. The City also received a Growth Award for demonstrating improved levels of tree care and community engagement.
Each year, the Arbor Day Foundation recognizes cities across the country that meet standards of sound urban forestry management with Tree City USA designations. Overland Park has proudly maintained its Tree City USA designation for over 40 years.
A healthy urban forest benefits our community by providing shade, improving air quality, reducing stormwater runoff and erosion and cooling the environment. Caring for our trees helps Overland Park thrive.
“Trees are an integral part of our community and improve our daily lives. We’re honored to have such a long history of supporting our urban forest,” said City Forester Bailey Patterson. “High-quality trees only reach maturity and provide maximum benefits through proper care and protection. We’ll continue to make our urban forest a priority and spread the good word on proper tree care.”
The City’s Legacy of Greenery Committee plays a crucial role in preserving, enhancing and maintaining the city’s tree canopy. Its commitment to public education and outreach helped earn the Growth Award from the Arbor Day Foundation, highlighting the committee’s dedication to educating the community and promoting the value of the landscape.
Learn more about the programs and services the City provides to sustain our green spaces, waterways and air at opkansas.org/Trees.