Growing a Healthier Urban Forest at Kress Creek Farms Park
22 new trees are taking root at Kress Creek Farms Park
The West Chicago Park District recently planted 22 trees at Kress Creek Farms Park with support from a tree equity grant through The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative.
The planting is part of a larger effort to add more trees, increase tree diversity, and care for West Chicago’s natural resources. At Kress Creek Farms Park, the trees will also help provide shade and shelter from the wind as they grow.
Why tree diversity matters
The 22 trees include nine different species. A certified arborist selected each species based on the conditions at the planting sites and which trees would be best suited to grow there.
Planting a mix of tree species helps protect the Park District’s tree population from widespread damage caused by pests or disease. If one species is affected, having a variety of other trees can help limit the impact.
The new trees include maples, catalpas, horse-chestnuts and oaks, along with several other species. Together, they add variety to the park and help build a stronger, more diverse tree population.
How the trees will benefit Kress Creek Farms Park
Trees provide many benefits, from improving air quality and absorbing carbon dioxide to helping manage stormwater and providing shade.
At Kress Creek Farms Park, shade and wind protection are especially important. The park’s open landscape can get quite windy, particularly during storms. As the trees grow, they will help block some of that wind and provide shelter for park visitors.
The walking path, disc golf course and footgolf course also have limited shade. Over time, the new trees will provide more shaded areas for people using these amenities.
Planting is just the beginning
Young trees need regular care to get established and grow well. The Park District plans to water the new trees for at least three years, as needed.
Staff use slow-release watering bags, often called “gator bags,” that gradually release water around the tree’s roots. This helps get water where it’s needed while reducing waste.
After the watering season, staff place protective “deer wraps” around young tree trunks to help prevent frost damage and damage from animals. The trees are also monitored after planting to check their condition and catch any issues.
As the trees grow, care may include watering during severe droughts, pruning, mulching and regular checks to see how they’re doing.
The Park District also updates its tree inventory every five years through a contracted service. This gives staff a better picture of the tree population and helps identify which trees need attention, including pruning or removal when necessary.
Part of a larger effort to care for West Chicago’s trees
The planting at Kress Creek Farms Park is one part of a larger tree equity grant awarded to the West Chicago Park District through The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative.
The grant supports several efforts to care for and improve the community’s trees. These include planting trees, removing invasive species, pruning, training staff, developing a forest management plan and updating West Chicago’s tree preservation ordinance.
Through this larger initiative, the Park District plans to plant 210 trees between 2025 and 2028. The goal is to increase tree cover and bring more variety to the community’s tree population.
Sharing what we learn about trees is also part of this work. By helping residents understand why trees matter and how to care for them, we can support healthier parks and natural areas for years to come.
Funding for this project is provided by the Inflation Reduction Act and the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with The Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative. The USDA and The Morton Arboretum are equal opportunity providers and employers.
