Tree Resources for Omaha

Keep Omaha Beautiful is a nonprofit that partners with the City of Omaha to plant trees in public spaces throughout Omaha. While the program does not include planting on private property or maintenance, we welcome community input about our city's trees to share with our planning partners. 

To help provide a list of resources that we are frequently contacted about, Keep Omaha Beautiful has compiled the following Tree Resources, including FAQs about tree planting, types of trees, and community contacts. Browse the information below for expert tips to plant and care for urban trees! 

What tree should I plant?

• Recommended Trees to Plant » The Nebraska Forest Service  
• Explore Tree Lists » The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum - 
• Native Tree Species List » Keep Omaha Beautiful 

How do I plant a tree?

• Planning to Dig? » Call 811 First! 
• Tree-Planting Guide » The Nebraska Forest Service 
• Planting How-Tos » The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum 
• How-to Plant a Tree Video » Northwest High School 

How do I care for my trees?

• How to Care for Your Newly Planted Trees » The Nebraska Forest Service
• Maintenance & Tree Care » The Nebraska Statewide Arboretum 
• Garden, Tree, or Insect Questions » Nebraska Extension Douglas-Sarpy Counties 
• Why Hire an Arborist? » TreesAreGood.org
• Licensed Arborists » City of Omaha 

Right-of-Way (ROW) Information

What is “right-of-way” (ROW)? 

• A right-of-way is a strip of land, typically adjacent to a street or road, that is owned by the City of Omaha for public use and infrastructure. It can include the road, sidewalks, and the area between the sidewalk and the property line. Examples include boulevards, parkways, medians, and the strip of greenery between the street and the sidewalk.

Who is responsible for the removal of overgrown weeds and/or vegetation near a sidewalk or in the right-of-way in Omaha?

• It is the responsibility of the abutting property owner to maintain sidewalk clearance and the right-of-way space. To view the exact area that abuts your property, visit the Douglas County GIS site at DOGIS.org

I have a large tree in my right-of-way that looks unhealthy. What should I do? 

• Homeowners or property owners are responsible for maintaining the trees on the right-of-way. (Maintenance includes, but is not limited to: structural pruning, removing branches that fall, etc.) If there is a hazardous and/or diseased tree, you may report that to the City of Omaha. Annually, the City of Omaha employs certified arborists to conduct inspections on rights-of-way and park trees. If any of these trees become diseased, structurally unsound, and the arborist feels the tree will not last over a one-year period, the city will condemn the tree and add it to their removal list. Please note, there are many factors that determine how trees are prioritized for removal.

I have a tree I would like to plant in my ROW. How do I do this?

For a permit to plant on city right of way, please email john.wynn@cityofomaha.org.
 

Reporting resources & local ordinances

• FAQs About Weeds & Litter » City of Omaha Parks & Recreation Department 
• Report Trees Causing Obstruction or Safety Concerns » Call City of Omaha Forestry at 402.444.5925
• For Questions about Trees Marked with an X » Call City of Omaha Forestry at 402.444.5925
• Trees & Power Line Reports or Questions » Call OPPD at 402-536-4131 (Omaha) or 1-877-536-4131, or email OPPD Forestry Department 
• Local Tree Codes and Ordinances » City of Omaha
• Tree Limb Disposal Resources » 
  • City of Omaha Composting - Branches no more than 2 inches in diameter and 4 feet in length may be taken to the City's Oma-Gro facility at no charge. See all City of Omaha yardwaste resources at this link. 
  • Soil Dynamics (paid Composting) - See hours, location, costs, and drop-off information at this link. 
  • River City Transfer - Larger branches and limbs can also be taken to the local landfill, for a fee. Learn more at this link.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES