To: The City of Leawood

We, the undersigned, respectfully request that The City of Leawood update its tree ordinance – as Prairie Village did in 2021 – to include protections for mature, healthy residential trees during new construction projects. As homes in our neighborhoods age, we increasingly witness the clear-cutting of lots, which has devastating environmental and economic impacts.

Residential trees provide tremendous benefits, from improving air quality and reducing stormwater runoff to increasing property values and enhancing community well-being. However, during new developments, it has become common practice for developers to clear entire lots of mature, healthy trees for construction convenience. These trees have taken decades to grow and are essential to the character and value of our neighborhoods. Often, removals are done without the future resident's knowledge or by developers who own the property but have no permanent ties to the community. 

Developers – who are usually not residents – are allowed to make detrimental and long-lasting changes to the landscape that affect the value and livability of that property and surrounding area. The rights of short-tenured developers should not outweigh the wishes and concerns of Leawood families, residents, and voting members who call this city home.

We are not asking for laws that restrict current residents from managing trees on their property or making additions to their homes. Rather, we seek protection during large-scale new developments. Exceptions should always be considered when a tree is unhealthy or alternative architectural designs are not feasible, and a city process should be in place to grant such exceptions.

Please join us in protecting the trees that make our neighborhoods beautiful, healthy, and valuable.    

Sincerely,

Residents of Leawood