Spring 26 OP Newsletter

• Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) – A hardy, low-maintenance native species increasingly used in new plantings. The Forestry Crew actively avoids overplanting any single species to reduce the risk of catastrophic loss from pests or diseases, such as Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch Elm Disease.

planted trees. Some villages (including Orland Park) already restrict the planting of pear trees (Callery pears are not allowed to be planted in Village parks or parkways for example). The Forestry Crew regularly identifies and removes declining or storm-damaged pear trees from public property and replaces them with native or non-invasive alternatives. This includes large-scale removal projects like the 73 pear trees removed/replaced in the median on Marley Creek Blvd between 2022 - 2024. The removal / replacement of 41 pear trees along West Ave between Fun Dr and 153rd St is also scheduled in 2026. Tree removals are conducted when trees are dead, diseased, structurally compromised or pose a risk to public safety. The Forestry Crew also removes trees that interfere with infrastructure or are part of invasive species control efforts. Each removal is logged in the inventory and replacement trees are selected based on site conditions and species diversity goals. In the winter of 2025, the Forestry Crew began Year 1 of the Parkway Tree Pruning Program, an initial 6-year structured pruning cycle program designed to maintain tree health and safety. Young trees will receive formative pruning to develop strong branch structure, while mature trees will be pruned to remove deadwood, improve clearance, and reduce storm damage risk. Tree Removals: Safety and Strategic Replacement Tree Pruning: Health, Structure, and Clearance

Tree Plantings: Building a Resilient Canopy

Annually, the Forestry Crew plants or oversees the planting of hundreds of trees across the Village. A summary of recent tree plantings is provided below:

2025: 606 Trees Planted 2024: 533 Trees Planted 2023: 364 Trees Planted

Tree species are chosen for their adaptability, ecological value and contribution to canopy diversity. Native and underutilized species are prioritized to enhance ecosystem services and reduce long-term maintenance.

Recent planting efforts have included: •Chinkapin Oak ( Quercus muehlenbergii ) •Bald Cypress ( Taxodium distichum ) •Hackberry ( Celtis occidentalis ) •Catalpa ( Catalpa speciosa ) •Ginkgo ( Ginkgo biloba ) •Japanese Lilac ( Syringa reticulata ) •London Planetree ( Platanus × acerifolia )

Invasive Species Management: Phasing Out Callery Pears A key focus of the Forestry Crew’s mission is the systematic removal of invasive species, particularly Callery pear trees, also known as Bradford pear trees. ( Pyrus calleryana ). These trees, once widely planted for their ornamental appeal, have proven problematic due to their weak structure, short lifespan and aggressive spread into natural areas. As such, Callery pear trees are now considered invasive in Illinois due to their ability to spread aggressively. On October 1, 2025, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) added nine invasive plants, including Callery pear trees, to the list of species that are illegal to buy, sell, distribute or plant in Illinois. The policy will take effect for Callery pear trees on January 1, 2028, allowing a phase-out period for growers to reduce their stock of

Restoration Projects

The Forestry Crew also contributes to the maintenance and oversight of several Village ecological restoration projects, including the Stellwagen Farm Prairie, Humphrey Woods and Brown Park Woods, Dr. Marsh Prairie Path, Arbor Lake Park and Village Hall Green Roof Projects.

Conclusion

The Village of Orland Park Forestry Crew exemplifies best practices in urban forestry. Through careful species selection, proactive maintenance, and a commitment to ecological stewardship, the group ensures that Orland Park’s trees continue to thrive and serve the community for generations to come.

orlandpark.org | Spring 2026 |

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