Overland Park, Kansas
Tree Removal and Tree Service in Overland Park
Overland Park generally leaves private yard trees to their owners, with no city permit or replacement required for a homeowner's removal. The city's own effort has gone into street trees: after removing ash killed by emerald ash borer, it planted about 3,000 replacement trees, with hundreds more scheduled.
- County
- Johnson
- Tree rules
- City of Overland Park Forestry for street trees
- Key local rule
- Street trees are city trees; private yard trees generally unregulated
- Electric utility
- Evergy
- Main hazards
- Severe thunderstorms and hail, ice, drought, dead ash
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Overland Park?
For a tree in your own yard, generally not, and the city does not require a replacement tree. Street trees in the right-of-way are a different matter: they belong to the city and are managed by its forestry staff. HOAs in many neighborhoods also have their own rules.
- Yard trees
- Generally no permit.
- Street trees
- City trees.
- HOAs
- May require approval.
Kansas City area warning signs
Dead ash still standing in yards
Brittle and dangerous to climb.
Hail-scarred bark on young trees
Wounds that can lead to canker.
Bradford pears splitting
Common in Johnson County subdivisions.
Pin oaks with yellow leaves
Iron chlorosis on alkaline soils.
Street trees and a possible model ordinance
The city's forestry staff plant, prune and remove trees in the right-of-way. Residents should not remove or heavily prune them. Tree rules for development are tied to site plans and landscaping requirements.
The Mid-America Regional Council, the planning organization for the Kansas City region, published a model tree ordinance that cities can adapt. Neighboring Leawood has moved to make removal of right-of-way trees harder.
Replacing the ash
Ash were widely planted along Overland Park streets as subdivisions spread across Johnson County. When emerald ash borer arrived in the Kansas City area, the city removed thousands of ash street trees. By September 2025, it had planted about 3,000 replacements, with another 630 planned by the end of the year.
City officials have worried that many of those saplings are not getting the care they need. Young street trees in Kansas heat need regular watering for at least two summers, and residents are often the best-placed to provide it.
A city council member has pushed for Overland Park to adopt the Mid-America Regional Council's model tree ordinance, which would add protections the city does not have today.
For homeowners, the absence of a permit rule does not mean every removal is a good idea. Mature trees shade houses through Kansas summers, and replacing one takes decades. An arborist can say whether a tree with problems can be pruned or treated instead.
Helping a new street tree survive
Water deeply
Once or twice a week in summer for two years.
Mulch
A wide ring, kept off the trunk.
Keep mowers away
Trunk wounds kill young trees.
Report problems
To city forestry.
Trees that handle Kansas conditions
| Tree | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bur oak | Drought-tolerant and long-lived |
| Chinkapin oak | Handles alkaline soils |
| Kentucky coffeetree | Tough native |
| Lacebark elm | Heat and drought tolerant |
| Pin oak | Prone to iron chlorosis here |
Overland Park tree questions
Will the city replace the ash it removed from my street?
The city has been replanting street trees where ash were removed. Contact forestry about your block.
Can I water the new street tree?
Yes. The city encourages residents to help water young street trees.
Does Kansas City, Missouri follow the same rules?
No. Each city in the metro has its own rules.
Do I need to replace a tree I remove from my yard?
The city generally does not require replacement for a homeowner's removal, though HOA rules may.
When are severe storms most likely?
Spring and early summer, with hail, straight-line winds and occasional tornadoes.
Reach a tree service in Overland Park
Call to be connected with an independent tree company that works in the Overland Park area, or leave your number and one will call you back.
(844) 955-1716Call availability varies by area and time of day
Limbwright is a referral service. Your call goes to an independent tree service company that sets its own schedule and terms. Ask for proof of insurance and a written scope before work starts. How this works
Call now
Talk to a tree service provider in your area. Have the tree's location and what it is near ready.
(844) 955-1716Call nowCall availability varies by area and time of day