The Village has more than 25,000 parkway trees lining the streets throughout the Village. We maintain the trees on a five-year trimming cycle to ensure their continued health and vigorous growth. This year’s trim sections are highlighted on the map.

Regular maintenance of parkway trees helps prevent structural defects, deadwood, low branches, sight obstructions, and disease, which prolong the tree’s life.  Additional information on tree pruning can be found on the Village Tree Trimming Program information sheet.

The Village hires a contractor to assist with tree trimming and complete tree maintenance. Approximately 5,000 trees are trimmed every year.  The Public Works Forestry & Grounds Division oversees these operations. Residents with questions or concerns about a particular tree should call Public Works.  We will be happy to meet with you before contractor crews arrive. 

 Contact the Public Works Department at 847-870-5640 or email with any questions or concerns.

Parkway Tree Removal Policy

As stated in our Urban Forest Protection and Planning Ordinance, the primary objective of the Village is to provide citizens with a safe, prosperous, and healthy community by protecting existing landscapes and maintaining our urban forest. Healthy trees are an essential component of the village infrastructure and contribute significantly to the quality of the local environment. However, diseased or structurally unsound trees can be a problem. Therefore, the removal of public trees sometimes becomes a necessity.

Several considerations determine the decision to remove a publicly maintained tree. It is the policy of the Village to base tree removals on safety criteria. Trees are living organisms and eventually die, making age a common factor for removal. Structurally unstable trees caused by disease, decay, and mechanical damage also require removal. Moreover, the location of a tree may pose a liability by interfering with traffic visibility and, therefore, warrant removal.

The decision to remove or not to remove a tree is based on several criteria, including: 

• The tree species and its desirability for parkway use.
• The size and appearance of the tree and the contribution it makes towards our goal of tree-lined streets.
• The tree can potentially damage hardscape features such as driveways, sidewalks, buffalo boxes, etc.
• The number of other trees growing under the same conditions and the precedent that would be set by removing the tree in question.
• The degree of hardship and/or safety hazards the tree is causing.
• The feasibility of alternate measures may alleviate the hardship/hazard.
• Suitability of the tree for its present location.
• Expected long-term maintenance costs for the tree compared to other trees of the same age/size.

Property owners may request to remove a parkway tree. However, a final decision will be balancing the resident’s needs, the Village, and its citizens. Although not an exhaustive list, the Village’s Arboriculture Standards Manual, details several reasons for tree removals that have been submitted to the Village.

Residents considering tree removal should contact Dave Hull, Superintendent of Forestry & Grounds, at Public Works at 847-870-5640.

Parkway Tree Planting Options

All trees for the reforestation/replacement planting program will be 2” to 2½” diameter trees hand-selected from several nurseries by Village staff, planted, and guaranteed for one year by a contractor.  Village staff visits several nurseries annually to ensure the best selection, high quality, and diverse species each season.  Tree availability is still very much dependent on area demand, which continues to be high in the aftermath of EAB. Species availability and sizes vary by season, depending on nursery stock.  Also, certain species of trees are spring dig only and thus will not be planted in the fall planting season.  A suitable planting site must be available in order to plant a replacement or new tree.  Residents can check with the Public Works office for tree species that are available by season.  Requests for specific species should be made by March 1 for spring planting and August 1 for fall planting.   

The following trees are typically available by season:

Spring – Multiple varieties of Oak (Red, Swamp White, Chinkapin, Scarlet, Bur) and disease resistant Elms (Frontier, Valley Forge, Accolade), London Planetree, Ginkgo, Dawn Redwood, Bald Cypress, Tuliptree, and Black Tupelo.

Fall – Catalpa, Kentucky Coffeetree, Hackberry, Linden, Crabapple, Tree Lilac, Honeylocust, and some varieties of Elms.

In addition to the trees listed above, the Village will try to procure additional species when they are available. Generally, trees listed for the fall can also be planted in the spring if available. 

Planting By Permit

Property owners can beautify Village parkways by planting trees independently, but only with an approved Village permit. Planting permits are available through the Public Works Department at no cost. By doing so, all Village Code requirements must be met, including having a suitable planting site, planting a minimum 1 ½” diameter tree, and choosing a species approved in the Village Code. Note that “suitable planting site” means that certain minimum conditions are met, such as spacing between trees and required distances from utilities, driveways, etc. Once the completed permit application is approved, the tree can be planted.  Property owners should be aware that all trees planted on public property, regardless of who planted them, become the property of the Village. The Village will assume responsibility for these tree’s future care and maintenance. 

Private Property Tree Planting 

With the widespread loss of trees to disease and insects in our community, the Village is attempting to diversify our new parkway tree planting. We also encourage property owners to consider a wide range of species when planting on private property. The following document, Increasing Tree Diversity in the Urban Forest, provides a comprehensive list of tree species suitable for growing in Northern Illinois. Please contact the Public Works Department at 847-870-5640 or email with questions concerning private property tree planting.

Winter Tree Care Tips

Winter is a great time to perform some maintenance on dormant trees to prepare a healthy growing season next year. If you did not do a thorough fall clean up you can still do so by removing fallen leaves to reduce inoculum that can infect trees in spring. Once that is done, add a layer of mulch around the base to maintain soil temperatures and reduce water loss. A 2” – 4” layer is sufficient but be careful not to pile it directly against the tree.

A clear winter day can be a good time for some simple pruning. Remove broken, dead, diseased, or poorly attached limbs. Be sure to not remove healthy, growing limbs, or reduce the overall crown by 25% or more. A certified arborist will do a good job and ensure healthy conditions for spring. Finally, watering trees until the ground freezes can be beneficial to keep the tree healthy until the spring rains arrive.

Fall Tree Care Tips

The season is changing and fall is just around the corner. Leaves will soon be changing color and beginning to fall. Although we’re coming to the end of the growing season, trees still require care to ensure they go into a healthy dormancy. The tips below can help safeguard your trees for next season.

Most importantly, trees need to receive sufficient water throughout the fall. Generally an inch of rainfall per week is adequate, but if there are extended dry periods, supplemental watering should be done. Simply, run a sprinkler under the canopy of the tree, but remember that roots can extend out as far as the tree is tall. Therefore, that entire area should be watered as well. 

Additionally, mulching beneath the canopy of trees is important. The mulch helps to retain soil moisture as well as keep the ground from freezing. This allows more time for roots to grow. Mulch also reduces weeds from growing so mowers and weed whips do not harm from the trunk of the tree. Mulch layers should be 2”- 3” thick and should not be piled up against the trunk of the tree. Rather it should be at ground level right next to the trunk. Wood chips are a natural and resourceful material to use as mulch.    

Likewise, fall is a good time to fertilize trees that are lacking nutrients. If fertilization isn’t completed in September, wait until November when the tree has gone into dormancy. Timing is critical for fall fertilization because it can promote a flush of new growth. The new growth will not be hardened off prior to freezing temperatures. Don’t worry, trees can also be fertilized in the spring if you miss the fall window.      

Fall is also a good time to get out and evaluate trees for insect damage or pruning needs. Most insect damage occurs earlier in the season, but treatment in the fall before the growing season will get the best results. Since the life cycles of most insects differ, consulting a tree care professional is recommended, if significant damage is noted. 

Finally, fall is a good time to schedule a dormant prune. Removing dead and broken limbs helps improve the tree’s health and reduces overwintering insects and fungi. Furthermore, removing fallen leaves, fruit, or other tree debris from the landscape reduces foliar diseases the following season.      

Easy Spring Tree Care

Raking and gathering debris that has collected beneath trees is a great place to start with your spring cleanup.  Removing fallen twigs, leaf litter, and fruit is especially important for trees that are susceptible to fungal diseases.  A good example would be Norway Maple leaves that had black leaf spots last season.  After your cleanup is done, you can move on to doing a visual inspection of your trees.  Look for any damage over winter, split limbs, broken branches, and deadwood.  Now would be a great time to repair that damage and prune deadwood.  A Certified Arborist should be contacted when taking care of your larger trees or bigger jobs not suited for the homeowner.

Spring is also a great time to fertilize trees before they enter the growing season.  Fertilizing replaces nutrients and helps improve a tree’s resistance to insect and disease damage (see product label for specific timing).  Preventative insecticide applications for insects such as Emerald Ash Borer and many other early-season insects should be done now.  Mulching is another item that is sometimes forgotten in the spring.  Applying mulch secures the organic matter beneath the soil surface, conserves soil moisture, and controls weeds when applied correctly.  Aim for a three (3) inch layer around trees, but not piled against the trunk.  Mulch piled against the truck holds moisture and heat, which can create a point of entry for diseases.  Mulching the area directly beneath the tree is one of the best things you can do for the health of your trees.

Finally, and often forgotten about, is watering trees.  In spring, trees use stored energy to push out new growth. Watering when spring rains aren’t adequate can help start your tree off to a healthy growing season that can continue all season long. Focus your watering on the critical root zone, which is the area directly beneath the tree, from the trunk to the furthest branch tips. Deep watering thoroughly, at least one (1) time a week, with the hose running at a trickle for a few hours, will do wonders.  This practice will moisten the soil rather than soak the soil and have the water run off the surface.  A slow trickle allows the water to penetrate the ground to roots that can be as much as 18 inches below ground.

Following some of these simple guidelines will help ensure the enjoyment and benefits of your trees for years to come.

Please contact the Public Works Forestry & Grounds Division at 847-870-5640 with any tree care questions.

An arborist is a specialist in the care of individual trees. An arborist is knowledgeable about the needs of trees and are trained and equipped to provide proper care. Hiring an arborist is a decision that should not be taken lightly. Proper tree care is an investment that can lead to substantial returns. Well-cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous work. Tree work should be done only by those trained and equipped to work safely in trees.

ISA Certified Arborist List

Services That Arborists Can Provide:

Pruning

An arborist can determine the type of pruning necessary to maintain or improve the health, appearance, and safety of trees. These techniques include:

• eliminating branches that rub each other
• removing limbs that interfere with wires, building facades, gutters, roofs, chimneys, or windows, or that obstruct streets or sidewalks
  removing dead or weak limbs that pose a hazard or may lead to decay
• removing diseased or insect-infested limbs
• creating better structure to lessen wind resistance and reduce the potential for storm damage
• training young trees
• removing limbs damaged by adverse weather conditions
• removing branches, or thinning, to increase light penetration
• improving the shape or silhouette of the tree

Removal

Although tree removal is a last resort, there are circumstances when it is necessary. An arborist can help decide whether a tree should be removed. An arborist has the skills and equipment to safely and efficiently remove trees. Removal is recommended when the tree

• is dead or dying
• is considered irreparably hazardous
• is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning
• is crowding and causing harm to other trees
• is to be replaced by a more suitable specimen
• is located in an area where new construction requires removal

Emergency Tree Care

Storms ma cause limbs or entire trees to fall, often landing on other trees, homes, other structures, or cars. The weight of storm-damaged trees is great, and they can be dangerous to remove or trim. An arborist can assist in performing the job in a safe manner, while reducing further risk of damage to property.

Planting

Some arborists plant trees, and most can recommend types of trees that are appropriate for a specific location. The wrong tree in the wrong location could lead to future problems as a result of limited growing space, insects, diseases, or poor growth.

Other Services
Many arborists also provide a variety of other tree care services, including:

• Plant Health Care, a concept of preventive maintenance to keep trees in good health, which will help the tree better defend itself against insects, disease, and site problems
• Fertilization
• Cabling or bracing for added support to branches with weak attachment
• Aeration to improve root growth
• Installation of lightning protection systems
• Spraying or injecting to control certain insect and disease problems

Selecting the Right Arborist for the Job

When selecting an arborist:

• Check for membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Such membership demonstrates a willingness on the part of the arborist to stay up to date on the latest techniques and information.
• Check for ISA arborist certification. Certified Arborists are experienced professionals who have passed an extensive examination covering all aspects of tree care.
  ask for proof of insurance and then phone the insurance company if you are not satisfied. A reputable arborist carries personal and property damage insurance as well as workers compensation insurance. Many home owners have had to pay out large amounts of money for damages caused by uninsured individuals claiming to be tree experts. You could be held responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of the job.
• Check for necessary permits and licenses. Some governmental agencies require contractors to apply for permits and/or to apply for a license before they are able to work. Be sure they comply with any local, state, provincial, or national laws that govern their work.
  ask for references to find out where the company has done work similar to the work you are requesting.
• Don’t hesitate to check references or visit other work sites where the company or individual has done tree work. Remember, tree care is a substantial, long-lasting investment; you would not buy a car without a test drive!
• Get more than one estimate, unless you know and are comfortable with the arborist. You may have to pay for the estimates, and it will take more time, but it will be worth the investment.
  don’t always accept the low bid. You should examine the credentials and the written specifications of the firms that submitted bids and determine the best combination of price, work to be done, skill, and professionalism to protect your substantial investment.
• Be wary of individuals who go door to door and offer bargains for performing tree work. Most reputable companies are too busy to solicit work in this manner. Improper tree care can take many years to correct itself and, in some cases, it can never be corrected. Are you willing to take that risk with your valuable investment?
• Keep in mind that good arborists will perform only accepted practices. For example, practices such as topping a tree, removing an excessive amount of live wood, using climbing spikes on trees that are not being removed, and removing or disfiguring living trees without just cause are unnecessary.
  get it in writing. Most reputable arborists have their clients sign a contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, such as
  • When will the work be started and completed?
  • Who will be responsible for clean-up?
  • Is this the total price?
  • If I would like more to be done, what is your hourly rate?

What Is a Certified Arborist?
An arborist by definition is an individual who is trained in the art and science of planting, caring for, and maintaining individual trees. ISA arborist certification is a nongovernmental, voluntary process by which individuals can document their base of knowledge. It operates without mandate of law and is an internal, self-regulating device administered by the International Society of Arboriculture. Certification provides a measurable assessment of an individual’s knowledge and competence required to provide proper tree care.

Certification is not a measure of standards of practice. Certification can attest to the tree knowledge of an individual but cannot guarantee or ensure quality performance. Certified Arborists are individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge in the art and science of tree care through experience and by passing a comprehensive examination developed by some of the nation’s leading experts on tree care. Certified Arborists must also continue their education to maintain their certification. Therefore, they are more likely to be up to date on the latest techniques in arboriculture.

Be an Informed Consumer
One of the best methods to use in choosing an arborist is to educate yourself on some of the basic principles of tree care. ISA offers several other brochures in this series, which discuss many of the basic principles of tree care. Your local garden center, extension agent, or city arborists are also excellent sources of information if you should have further questions. They may also be able to refer you to an ISA Certified Arborist in your area.

E-mail inquiries: isa@isa-arbor.com
(c) 1998, 2004 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED JULY 2005

Developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), a non-profit organization supporting tree care research around the world and is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For further information, contact:
ISA, P.O. Box 3129, Champaign, IL 61826-3129, USA.

© 2007 International Society of Arboriculture.
UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2005

*Notes added by Village of Mount Prospect May 8, 2007.

*Although we cannot recommend a tree care company, we can provide a list of tree contractors that have successfully worked for the Village upon request. Call Public Works at (847) 870-5640.

*If you are hiring someone to apply pesticides on your property, make sure they have a valid Pesticide License issued by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA). You can call the IDA’s Bureau of Environmental Programs, (217)-785-2427, to check a license status.

This map highlights the sections of town and the years they will be trimmed.