Forestry & Conservation is a program of Parks and Recreation that oversees the management of the City’s trees in the right-of-ways located along streets and boulevards. The division’s management philosophy is to provide a holistic approach in managing the urban forest. In addition to performing the actual service, foresters can issue permits to citizens to perform pruning, removal and planting of trees themselves. There is no cost to a resident for obtaining a tree permit.  Download a copy of KCMO TREE PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS Nov 2018>>

• Storm response: This division is prepared to respond to any emergency involving city street trees 24 hours a day. Generally, emergencies involving street trees result from severe thunder, wind, snow and rain storms. In an emergency, an urban forester is dispatched to the problem location. If necessary, a crew will be called upon to assist with the problem. During large storms, several crews may be dispatched. This could include both City crews and emergency contract crews from the private sector. Should there be damage or loss of property, the urban forester will process a City Damage Report.  To report storm damage, contact the 311 Action Center.
• Tree pruning: Tree pruning is the most frequently requested service. Pruning is done by city and contractor crews. Over the past two years, a systematic method of pruning has been developed to address individual service requests while pruning entire city blocks in a cyclical manner.
• Tree planting: Tree planting funds are supplemented through various grants and organizations to provide low-cost trees for residents interested in planting trees in city right-of-ways. Although funds may not always be available for a specific council district, the staff will place your name on a waiting list for when funds do become available. The foresters will also can issue a tree planting permit to citizens interested in planting a tree themselves. Learn about the Energy Saving Trees Program>>
• Tree removal: Kansas City has what is termed a “mature” urban forest. A mature forest will have large, stately trees that create an attractive appearance of arched or cathedral ceilings along streets. However, as a result of the mature forest, many of these trees are very old and may go into “decline.” Foresters identify trees that have become hazardous (partially dead, completely dead or structurally unstable) and schedules them for removal. These removals are performed by in-house crews and outside contractors.
• Cooperative projects: Foresty & Conservation works with a variety of public and private utility agencies to ensure utility issues that have a direct impact on city trees will be appropriately handled. This division actively works with the Public Works Department, Water Services, Kansas City Power & Light, and Missouri Gas Energy.
• Rain Gardens: Rain gardens can absorb 30 percent more water than the same size area of lawn. Learn the Why, Where, What and How of building a rain garden.

To inquire about tree permits, tree planting and removal, call 816-513-8553. For emergency services or to report storm damage, contact the 311 Action Center.