Spring 26 OP Newsletter

NATURAL RESOURCES DIVISION

Caring for the Urban Forest: The Village of Orland Park’s Forestry Crew

Tree Inventory and Species Diversity

In 2024, the Village completed its second comprehensive Parkway, Park and Facility Tree Assessment in the past six years, cataloging 36,134 public trees . This effort underscores the Forestry Crew’s proactive management and dedication to preserving green infrastructure. The Village Board also commemorates Arbor Day annually, encouraging residents to participate in tree planting, environmental education and beautification efforts. The Forestry Crew maintains a public tree inventory that includes detailed information on species, size, condition and location. The most common tree species in Orland Park’s public inventory include: • Maples ( Acer spp. ) – Particularly Red Maple ( Acer rubrum ) and Norway Maple ( Acer platanoides ), valued for their vibrant fall color and shade. • Oaks ( Quercus spp .) – Including Bur Oak ( Quercus macrocarpa ), Red Oak ( Quercus rubra ) and Swamp White Oak ( Quercus bicolor ), which are long-lived and support native wildlife. • Honeylocust ( Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis ) – A popular urban tree due to its filtered shade and tolerance to urban conditions. • Lindens ( Tilia spp .) – Such as American Linden ( Tilia americana ) and Littleleaf Linden ( Tilia cordata ), known for their fragrant flowers and pollinator value. • Elm hybrids – Disease-resistant cultivars like ‘Princeton’ and ‘Accolade’ are used to restore the iconic American Elm canopy lost to Dutch Elm Disease. • Serviceberry ( Amelanchier spp .) – A native ornamental tree that provides early spring blooms and berries for birds.

The Village of Orland Park’s Forestry Crew, a branch of the Public Works Department’s Natural Resources and Facilities Division, is dedicated to maintaining a healthy, diverse and sustainable urban forest. With thousands of trees lining streets, parks and public spaces, the Forestry Crew uses a strategic, data-driven approach to ensure the long-term vitality of the community’s green infrastructure. The Forestry Crew, guided by the Village Forester, includes seven ISA Certified Arborists who have earned ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications and two ISA Certified Urban Forest Professional Qualifications. All crew members participate continually in safety training and continuing education courses. Orland Park has proudly earned the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for 37 consecutive years, reflecting its deep commitment to urban forestry and environmental stewardship. This national recognition honors communities that meet four core standards: maintaining a tree board or department, having a tree care ordinance, investing in a community forestry program and observing Arbor Day. Over the past several years, the Forestry Crew has partnered with the Village’s Special Recreation Program to plant trees throughout Village parks and facility grounds. Tree City USA: A Legacy of Environmental Leadership

| Spring 2026 | orlandpark.org

8