Frequently Asked Questions

To plant a tree in a parkway, the following qualifications must be met: the requestor must want a tree, and there must be adequate space for the tree to grow successfully. The spacing guidelines include the following: trees must be at least 50 feet from street intersections (or further if needed for sight distance to traffic signs), at least 25-30 feet apart from other trees or objects, and the parkway should have a minimum depth of 6 feet from the curb to the sidewalk. Village staff will review each location individually to determine eligibility, as conditions may vary, and will make the final decision. The Village prioritizes parkways that currently have no trees when determining the planting schedule.

Tree plantings usually take place in the Spring and/or Fall, depending on factors such as tree availability, contractor schedules, and weather conditions. While exact dates are not set yet, residents will be notified in advance before any planting occurs.

There is no cost for residents requesting a parkway tree to be planted at their location. The Village plants trees annually, evaluating planting sites on a first-come, first-served basis, as the budget allows. In 2025, the Village plans to plant 150 trees, thanks to an increased budget from the Village Board.

Additionally, the Village offers an Adopt-a-Tree program, where residents can select a tree from a list of available options and choose its planting location (such as a parkway, park, or other public space if permitted). For more details, visit the Parks & Facilities website.

Yes, the Village installs a Gator Bag (a refillable watering bag) on each newly planted tree and periodically refills it throughout the first growing season to help establish the tree. While residents are welcome to assist by refilling the bag more frequently, it is not required, and no water credit will be given for this. If a tree does not survive its first year, the Village will remove the tree and include the location in the next planting cycle.

The Village follows a five-year trimming cycle for parkway trees, focusing on removing visible dead wood and raising the canopy to reduce hazards rather than providing a full trim. For emergency trimming requests, please contact Public Works at 630-834-8505 or submit a request through our website, where you can also upload photos.

The Village removes trees throughout the year based on the severity of their condition, such as a split trunk, significant rot, or being completely dead. If a tree still shows signs of life, it will not be removed but will be monitored for any further issues. To request an inspection of a tree, please contact Public Works at 630-834-8505 or submit a request through our website.

If you've already submitted a request and haven't seen any action, we ask that you please resubmit it. Due to changes in software and personnel, some requests may have unintentionally been overlooked. We appreciate your patience and understanding. 

Please click here to fill out the form and submit your request.