Tree Canopy Improvement

Trees provide an amazing array of benefits to Omaha's urban ecosystem. Every year, Keep Omaha Beautiful (KOB) plants hundreds of new trees in public spaces via its tree canopy improvement initiatives. By adding a diverse stock of trees throughout Omaha, KOB’s efforts strengthen our tree canopy’s resilience to future pests and environmental changes.

Introducing the Trees for Tomorrow Program

KOB's Trees for Tomorrow program was established in 2024 as a public-private partnership with the City of Omaha, other collaborators, and private funders. This initiative expands on the former Trees for Omaha program: a 2018-2023 effort to replace the considerable loss of city ash trees due to the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle. 

Trees for Tomorrow will continue to strengthen and enhance Omaha’s urban tree canopy by adding thousands of diverse tree species throughout Omaha parks and trails, within City-owned right-of-way spaces, and other public areas. This program will also engage the community through public tree plantings, conversations, and educational events. These opportunities will encourage residents to learn about and interact with trees, an integral part of our urban ecosystem.

Why Plant Trees?

Trees clean our air and water, improve public health, and enhance our city. They support Omaha’s urban ecosystem in many ways: 

• Reduce urban heat-island effects 
• Help with stormwater management and filter out pollutants 
• Reduce noise pollution by acting as a sound barrier along roads 
• Mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and pollution from car exhaust
• Remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through sequestration 
• Provide socioeconomic benefits, such as improved community image and increased property values
• Create food and habitat for wildlife
• Improve our overall health and sense of wellbeing 

The Trees for Tomorrow process and program design were informed by feedback from community listening sessions. The program will continue to focus on engaging local residents and organizations through community stewardship activities and tree-planting opportunities. Additionally, community resources and education are available to help residents plant, maintain, identify, or simply enjoy the benefits of urban trees.

History & Planting Timeline

• In 2023, KOB’s inaugural Trees for Omaha program concluded after five successful years of replacing thousands of City of Omaha ash trees affected by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer Beetle.
   
• In 2024, Trees for Tomorrow was launched to expand on previous, public tree-planting efforts.
   
• Since 2018, Keep Omaha Beautiful and its tree canopy improvement partners have planted more than 3,500 diverse trees throughout 108 public spaces.

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES