Tree Protection Policy

After nearly three years of consideration and public engagement, the City Council approved a policy that aims to protect and replenish the City's tree canopy. On September 16th, 2024, Ordinance No. 1062 was approved to establish rules and procedures for protecting mature trees in the city right-of-way, parkland, greenspace, city-owned properties and the front yards of private property throughout Roeland Park. Protected trees are those with trunks that measure 12 inches or larger in diameter and 4 1/2 feet from the ground. The ordinance states that protected trees cannot be removed or destroyed without first obtaining authorization from the City Arborist.

Generally, if tree removal is granted, a new tree must be planted by the property owner. If it is unfeasible for the tree to be replaced, the property owner can instead contribute to the newly established Tree Fund to help cover the cost of tree replacement in other parts of the City. However, if the City Arborist finds a tree to be diseased, dead, dying, or invasive, the property owner can remove it without contributing to the Tree Fund or replacing the tree.

The Tree Fund is available for those wishing to trim covered trees. It will also cover the cost of purchasing and planting new trees for those who meet income guidelines. The Council set the Tree Mitigation Fee at $500/covered tree removed that is not replaced. Resources from the mitigation fee go toward the Tree Fund. Please note, this fee does not apply to trees that are verified by the City Arborist to be diseased, dead or dying.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the policy go into effect?
- The policy went into effect on December 16th, 2025 - 90 days after the approval of Ordinance 1062.
What is a "protected tree"?
- A protected tree is any tree that has a 12 inch diameter or more at "breast-height", or 4 1/2 feet above the ground located on covered property.
What constitutes a "covered property?"
- A covered property means the front yard of privately owned lots or parcels as well as all right of ways, parkland, green space and City owned property within the incorporated boundaries of the City.
What happens if I need to remove a tree in my front yard? What is the procedure?
- If you want to have a tree removed in your front yard, please complete this form and a City staff member will contact you. The City Arborist will schedule a time to come to your house to assess the health of the tree. If a tree is found to be healthy, you are required by policy to replace it with an approved replacement tree. If you choose not to replace the tree on your property, you can contribute to the tree fund to help support the purchase/maintenance of trees in another part of the City to help restore and support the tree canopy.
- If the tree is greater than 30 inches in diameter at breast height (4.5 feet), the tree can only be removed with approval of the City Council unless the tree is found to be dead, diseased, dying or an invasive species.
What are approved "replacement trees"?
- Replacement tree means a tree from the replacement tree list, or one approved by the City Arborist, with a preferred caliper size of two and one-half inches (2.5") but a minimum of two inches (2"), measured twelve inches (12") from the ground and having a total height of not less than seven feet (7') when planted. The replacement tree list is the same one provided by Johnson County's Contain the Rain program. If you would like to replace a tree with one not on the list, you would need approval from the city arborist.
What if I have a tree in my front yard that is dead or dying? Do I still have to replace it or pay into a fund?
- If the City Arborist determines that the tree is diseased, dead or dying, as defined in 13-506 of the City Code, you will receive authorization from the City to remove the protected tree without any additional requirements. However, we always encourage residents to help keep a healthy tree canopy and replace trees at their discretion.
If I want to remove a healthy protected tree and do not want to replace it, what is the fee for doing so?
- On November 4, 2024 the Council set the Tree Mitigation Fee at $500 per covered tree removed. Those funds will go into the City Tree Fund to help cover the cost of tree trimming and new trees for residents.
How would someone know if I removed a protected tree on a covered property?
- The City completed a tree inventory for the entire City in 2022 which provided information on all of the trees greater than 12 inches in diameter that are planted within the City. This will give the City some insight as to where mature trees exist. In addition, City code enforcement and staff are regularly driving around and will likely see a tree being removed. You are also welcome to contact City Hall if you see a tree being removed and City staff will review to ensure it has been approved. You can contact City Hall at 913-722-2600.
- If you are found to remove a protected tree on a covered property without prior authorization, you may receive a fine of up to $500.
What is the Tree Fund and how will those resources be used by the City?
- The Roeland Park Tree Fund shall be used only for the purchasing, planting, and trimming of trees on covered property. You can find the Tree Fund Policy here. This policy was adopted on 11/18/2024.
Who and what qualifies for use of the Tree Fund resources?
- The Tree Fund has two separate allocations of funds, one for all residents to use and one for those who meet low-to-moderate income guidelines. Those who do not meet income qualifications are eligible for reimbursement up to $500 per property per year for tree trimming in covered areas. These funds are available on a first-come-first serve basis. Those who meet income qualifications are eligible for up to $1,500 per property per year for tree trimming and tree purchase on covered properties in the City. For more details on income guidelines and program details, please review the full application guidelines.
Can I get reimbursed for tree removal through the Tree Fund?
- The cost of tree removal is not covered by the Tree Fund. If you meet income guidelines and need assistance removing a dead, diseased or dying tree on your property, you can apply to our Neighbors Helping Neighbors Grant program.
Can I get reimbursed for planting a new tree?
- All residents can qualify to receive up to $150 each for up to two new native trees planted. We encourage residents wanting to plant a new native tree to apply through the City's Contain the Rain Program provided in partnership with Johnson County. The program will only reimburse for native trees planted. Those meeting certain income guidelines, may also apply to get the full cost of the tree reimbursed through the City's tree fund.
How do I apply for the Tree Fund?
- You can complete an application online. Applications will be reviewed for completion and to ensure qualifications are met. Preliminarily approved applications will be accepted on a first-come-first serve basis.