Page Contents

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*NEW FERTILIZER ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE JUNE 1 2010*

Tree Preservation During Construction

Winter Tree Trimming

Green Tree Inventory Markings

Planting Native Species

Apply For A Tree Removal Permit

Contact Information

New Ordinance Regulating Fertilizers

A new ordinance will become effective June 1 2010 regulating the use of lawn and turf fertilizers containing inorganic (synthetic) phosphorus. A brochure has been made including an explanation of the purpose of the new ordinance as well as information on the effects of using fertilizers containing phosphorus. Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the new ordinance in order to assure that they are in compliance.

To view the informational brochure, click here.

To view a copy of the ordinance, click here.

Tree Preservation During Construction

A dense, healthy and diverse forest exists in the City of Highland Park, providing ample shade and year-round beauty to residents and employees alike. Trees serve many important functions such as supporting wildlife, stabilizing the soils of our ravines, reducing noise, moderating temperature and cleaning our air. Studies have shown that trees on private property dramatically increase the value of the residence and are considered more visually appealing than open lots. For all of these reasons, it is vital that we protect trees during the process of constructing, renovating or otherwise updating a property.

When work requires changes on a substantial portion of your property, the needs of your trees should be considered before, during, and after the construction phase of the project. There are several steps which you can take to alleviate stress or damage which may lead to the severe dieback or death of trees in the years following construction.

Before, During & After Construction:

• Remove unwanted dead, diseased or hazardous trees
• Prune & improve trees you wish to save
• Fertilize, water & aerate trees before construction
• Have a landscaper root prune outsize of protection zone before construction
• Lay down mulch in heavy-traffic areas during construction
• Fertilize, water & mulch saved trees after construction
• Have a tree expert advise you on steps you can take to protect & save trees

The General Contractor is in charge of erecting tree fencing and taking steps to otherwise protect trees during a construction project. As a landowner, you have an invested interest in how the project proceeds. When planning for construction with a contractor, making a tree-protection plan outlining the “rules of conduct” concerning your trees can establish acceptable practices and encourage responsible workmanship.

Establish Rules With Your Contractor:

• Erect protective tree fencing prior to any work being done
• Do not change the grade (soil level) around trees
• Use permeable surfaces whenever possible
• Attempt to run all utilities in one single trench
• Build boardwalks to establish pathways
• Minimize or eliminate all traffic within tree protection fencing
• Never store soil, building materials or equipment under trees
• Control storm water runoff to prevent flooding, erosion etc.

Many of these practices are in the City’s tree preservation ordinance. Familiarizing yourself with this ordinance is a good way to understand your legal rights. Notify the Forestry Department of any violations in order to correct them and prevent problems in the future.

If you have any questions about tree preservation, please contact Joe ONeill, Asssistant City Forester, at joneill@cityhpil.com, or by calling (847)432-0807

2009-2010 Winter Tree Trimming

The City's annual winter tree trimming program has resumed for the 2009-2010 winter season. Contractors hired by the City will be starting in the northwest corner of Highland Park (section 1 shown in the map below) and will then proceed eastward (to section 3). Approximately 1/7th of the parkway trees are trimmed each year so that all trees are trimmed within a seven-year cycle. Trees to be trimmed are all situated within the city's right-of-way adjacent to streets and other public lands. All work done will be to improve and maintain the health and quality of the trees and to assure the safety and accessability of streets and sidewalks within Highland Park.

To view a map of the section of the city to be trimmed beginning in January of 2010, click here.

If you have any questions concerning the work or contractors, please contact Joe ONeill, Asssistant City Forester, at joneill@cityhpil.com, or by calling (847)432-0807

Not everyone realizes that there is a strip of land adjacent to the edge of most public streets that is owned by the City, even in those areas where a sidewalk doesn't exist. This strip of land is the public right-of-way. The green markings are placed on trees, under the direction of the City Forester, to help track trees standing on the right-of-way. Each year, in preparation for routine trimming, all trees in a scheduled section of Highland Park are re-inventoried and all markings are refreshed. For this reason, some dots in town may appear greener and brighter than others. The dots may be more noticeable in the winter when vegetation is sparse. The markings do fade quickly over time and, in many parts of the City, the dots are barely visible.

Planting Native

Native plants are especially valuable in sloping landscapes such as those seen on properties adjacent to beaches and ravines. Because they often have deeper roots, they can absorb water locked deep in the soil and minimize erosion. The Forestry division has composed a partial list of desirable native plant species for the stabilization or restoration ravines and bluffs. While this list is not intended to be all-inclusive, it can serve as a starting point in your efforts to improve the conditions of the natural areas on your property. Vegetation and lawns should be manually watered only when the soil is dry, as unnecessary over-watering can result from automatic sprinklers. It is recommended that you seek advice from a licensed landscape architect or an arborist to determine which specific plants are most suitable for you and your property. When planting, ensure that landscaping debris is hauled off site and not deposited into ravines.

Select Native Ravine Plants

Select Native Trees and Shrubs

For further information regarding planting in the ravines, please contact Larry King, the City Forester, at (847)926-1149

Tree Removal Permit

A permit is required to remove any tree larger that 8" DBH (Diameter at Breast Height). To receive a non-construction related tree removal permit, print out the attached form and fill in the appropriate spaces. The name of the Contractor is not required to complete this form. Mail or fax the completed document to: Department of Public Works, Attn. Joe O'Neill, 1150 Half Day Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035; Fax number (847) 926-8885. If you have any questions, please call Joe ONeill at (847) 926-1604.

Tree Removal Application Form (PDF)

Contact Information

For further information related to the Forestry Division, contact Larry King, City Forester or Joe ONeill, Assistant Forester at (847) 432-0807 in the Public Works Department, 1150 Half Day Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035.

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