Forestry Section

An approved tree removal permit is required for any tree, dead or alive, ≥8" in diameter (measured at ~4.5' above the soil) or ≥15" aggregate diameter for multi-stem trees.

Removal of ANY vegetation within the "Steep Slope Zone" (as defined by Chapter 150 of Highland Park City code) requires an approved tree removal permit application. Please contact Forestry for more information.

Tree Removal Permit Applications may be submitted through Highland Park's online Civic Access Portal.

Civic Access Portal:
The City of Highland Park uses an online permitting and licensing portal for all administrative applications. Residents, property managers and contractors can now complete all permit applications, including tree removal permit applications, using the link above. All permit information can conveniently accessed within the applicant's account.

Please register an account with Civic Access go to www.cityhpil.com/permitsandlicenses to setup your self-service portal account. Once an application is submitted, all future communications (including permit status and the approved permit placard) will be available within the self-service portal.

Under City of Highland Park code, any construction project in Highland Park must take the existing landscape into consideration, specifically the trees. Highland Park’s tree preservation ordinance requires that healthy and desirable trees be preserved where possible. This is determined during the review process, before construction is permitted. The Public Works - Forestry Section works very closely with the Department of Community Development - Building Division to review construction projects for tree preservation requirements.

This review includes trees on the subject property, as well as adjacent parcels. A tree preservation plan (including a survey and inventory) is required to ensure any adjacent trees that will be preserved through construction will be excluded from construction activity. This is most often accomplished by creating a “tree preservation area” using wood lathe or chain link fence as a physical barrier. Depending on the extent of construction, this may be supplemented by other mitigation practices such as laying down plywood or a thick layer of much (12-18 inches) where equipment has to pass through a Critical Root Zone.

 Trees Preservation & Construction in Highland Park Pamphlet

Below is a list of common construction practices that can damage trees. The Forestry Section reviews construction for all of these items and more:

Under Chapter 94 of Highland Park city code, three levels of tree preservation are identified and assigned to trees based on specie and size determinations. The tiered structure for this classification reflect the need for added consideration to be given when managing desirable & native trees. Giving preference to tree species that thrive in and have been integral to landscape of this community; as well as mature, established individuals that define urban forest of Highland Park.

Prior to the removal of any Protected, Key, or Heritage tree within Highland Park, requires an submission and approval of a Tree Removal Permit Application. This application is reviewed by the City of Highland Park's Forestry Section of Public Works for compliance with the City's tree preservation ordinance. In addition, an application for the removal of any Heritage tree, must first be reviewed by the City of Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals.

Although any tree, determined by City staff, to be dead, dying, diseased or hazardous is not be subject to tree removal fees or tree replacement requirement, an approved tree removal permit application is still required.

These classifications are as follows:

Protected Tree:

"Any Tree having a diameter of eight inches (8") DBH or larger or having an Aggregate Diameter of 15 inches DBH or larger, except any tree in the genera Rhamnus (Buckthorn) or Salix (Willow)."

Key Tree:

"Any Protected tree of the following genera or species:

• Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple);
• All trees in the genus Carya (Hickory);
• Taxodium distichum (Bald Cypress);
• Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry);
• Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo);
• Gymnocladus dioicus (Coffee tree);
• All trees in the genus Juglans (Walnut)
• Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas Fir);
• Pinus strobus (White Pine);
• Picea abies (Norway Spruce);
• Quercus velutina (Black Oak);
• Quercus macrocarpa (Burr Oak);
• Quercus alba (White Oak);
• Quercus rubra (Red Oak);
• Quercus bicolor (Swamp White Oak).

• All trees in the genus Quercus (Oaks) greater than or equal to 30" DBH;
• Ulmus Americana (American Elm) greater than or equal to 40" DBH;
• All trees in the genus Carya (Hickory) greater than or equal to 20" DBH;
• All trees in the genus Juglans (Walnut) greater than or equal to 30" DBH

Compliance with the City's tree preservation ordinance is crucial to maintaining the health and longevity of Highland Park's urban forest.

Failure to do so may result in the issuance of citations by City staff based on the nature of the violation and extent of damage to Protected, Key, and/or Heritage trees. These citations may require the appearance before a judicial officer in conjunction with the City of Highland Park's Administrative Adjudication system. Any fines leveed against a respondent are at the discretion of the judicial officer based on the nature of the infraction and scope of damage.

Example violations may include:

As you travel around Highland Park, you may notice that some trees adjacent to City streets are marked with a green dot. On public streets, the strip of land adjacent to the edge of the street is owned by the City, even on streets without a sidewalk. This strip of land is the public right-of-way and most often referred to as the ‘parkway.’

The green dots are placed on trees to allow Forestry staff and City contractors to better identify publicly maintained trees. Each year, in preparation for routine parkway tree pruning, all trees within a scheduled section of Highland Park are re-inventoried and all "green dot" markings are refreshed. For this reason, some dots in town may appear greener and brighter than others.

For more information on the City's parkway tree pruning program, please see below.

Routine tree pruning is an important component of Highland Park’s tree maintenance program. To maintain a routine pruning cycle, the City is divided into eight regions with each region containing approximately the same number of trees. Each Winter (typically January-March), parkway trees within one of these regions are pruned. Parkway tree pruning is conducted according to ANSI A300 Standards to prune young trees for proper form and structure, to maintain tree health, to reduce risk to life and property, and to provide necessary clearance for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

2023 Parkway Tree Pruning - Region 1 Map
2023 Parkway Tree Pruning - Region 2 Map

Tree Pruning Regions

More Information
If you have any questions concerning the work or contractors, please contact the Forestry Section at 847.432.0807.

Mulching & watering are the easiest ways to improve the health of your trees.

Mulching

• Add mulch to the base of your tree after removing grass within a 3-10' radius of the trunk (based on the size of the tree)

• Place natural mulch (such as wood chips or bark pieces 2-4" in depth in a ring about the trunk

• Do not pile mulch against the trunk, as this will promote rot in the tree (Volcano Mulching)

• Add more mulch every 2-3 years as necessary

• Water the tree until the soil is moist, not soggy. Too much water is just as harmful as too little
• Infrequent, deep watering is better than frequent light watering. Evaporation (especially in hot weather) means most water will not make it to your tree if it isn't deeply watered

• The best time of year to prune is the winter
• The worst time of year to prune is early Fall or Spring, when fungal diseases are most prevalent.
• If you are unsure if your trees need pruning, a Certified Arborist can help.

There are many reasons why your next landscaping projects should include native species. Native species generally require less maintenance as they are adept at dealing with ecological and environmental conditions in this area. Overall, the survivability of natives is higher and requires fewer chemical inputs, such as fertilizer and pesticide, for them to thrive in your garden. Unlike annuals that die each Autumn, native perennials do not require replacement year after year to maintain a well-stocked landscape. In fact, many spread and multiple, saving money. In addition to hosting many of our pollinating insects, mammals, and birds they also aid in combating many conditions of urban development. These include erosion (particularly in ravines and bluffs), flooding/storm water management, and combating invasive species encroachment.

Since 2010, the City of Highland Park has made the use of native species central to our planting initiatives. The McClory Bike Trail Pollinator Garden project aims to replace invasive buckthorn along the trail with native, pollinator friendly species (like Milkweed). Beyond a natural area, natives can also be a staple within formal landscape design. This can be seen in a number of recent City projects such as at City Hall and an increasing number of traffic islands within the Central Business District.

First Street Island	McClory Trail Pollinator Garden	Laurel Avenue Underpass

BUCKTHORN

Invasive species, such as buckthorn and bush-honeysuckle grow vigorously and form dense thickets.These weedy shrubs shade out under story vegetation and out-compete native species for resources. Although these shrubs function as privacy screening between homes, many native shrubs and trees serve the same function without the detrimental side effects to your landscape.The Chicago Region Trees Initiative has compiled a list of "Healthy Hedges"; native alternatives to invasive species that function as excellent vegetative screening.

SELECTING NATIVE PLANTS FOR RAVINE OR BLUFF RESTORATION

North shore ravines and bluffs were historically covered with many plant species. To maximize success of your restoration, choose plants adapted to your local shade, moisture, and temperature conditions. Strive to purchase plants that were grown locally from seeds or stock harvested close to the Illinois Lake Michigan shoreline. Please note that this list is not intended to be exclusive or comprehensive, and it is recommended that you first seek advice from a licensed landscape architect or arborist to determine which plants are most suitable for your property. When planting, please  ensure  that  landscaping  debris  is  hauled  off  site  and not deposited into the ravines. 

Invasive plants are those which are both non-native and that spread aggressively. Norway spruce is non-native, however it rarely or never ‘escapes captivity’ to reproduce freely in the wild (in the Midwest); it usually only grows where we plant it intentionally and thus is not invasive. Norway maple, on the other hand, is an example of a non-native tree that has easily escaped captivity and now reproduces freely here in Highland Park (more on Norway maple below).
Non-native plants spreading through your yard or garden may not be concerning, or may even be a desired trait. However, invasive plants tend to disrupt natural ecosystems such as our ravines and bluffs. Invasive plants often outcompete native plants for space in the environment, and because they are non-native, they almost always provide significantly less ecological benefit. Our native insects have coevolved with many native plants, and in some cases are dependent upon each other. Reducing space for native plants can mean reducing habitat (food and reproduction ability) of native insects such as the Monarch Butterfly.

Invasive plants cause other types of problems in the environment as well such as soil erosion. Listed below are several invasive species common in Highland Park that the Forestry Section is monitoring and in many cases taking action against.
Morton Arboretum invasive plants

Buckthorn

Buckthorn is a woody shrub or small tree native to Europe. It was introduced to North America in the 1800’s as an ornamental shrub for gardens and hedges, and quickly escaped into the wild. Birds eat the berries, which include a laxative, and spread the seeds readily. Buckthorn has allelopathic characteristics, which means it modifies the soil chemistry to reduce the germination of native plant species in the soil. This results in thickets of nothing except buckthorn with large bare patches of soil underneath.
This lack of groundcover (such as grasses and perennials) means these areas are very susceptible to soil erosion. Thus, the presence of buckthorn on our bluffs often results in soil erosion and potentially loss of slope stability. In the wooded areas surrounding our yards and homes, buckthorn reduces germination of our native trees such as oak and hickory and is very detrimental to our native ecosystems.

The Lake County Forest Preserves strongly encourage homeowners to remove buckthorn and replace their privacy screens and hedges with native species of shrubs that provide higher quality habitat to native wildlife. The Chicago Region Trees Initiative (part of the Morton Arboretum) provides excellent information on ‘Healthy Hedges’ – choosing native plants for privacy screening.

Japanese Knotweed

Japanese Knotweed is a perennial herbaceous plant native to Japan, China, and Korea. The hollow stems look like bamboo, but is unrelated. It grows very quickly and spreads horizontally in a very aggressive manner. It is very tough and can grow in disturbed, low quality soils. A piece of the plants stalk or root system only 1” square can be washed down streams and rivers to start a new colony, making it commonly found along rivers where it is spread easily during flood events. It is also commonly spread around by landscapers, hitching a ride on their equipment.
Where Japanese Knotweed grows near the foundation of a home or garage, or the edge of hardscape such as a driveway, the plant can quickly undermine structural integrity of these structures. It does this by exploiting tiny cracks and growing through them, widening them. Its vast underground network of fleshy rhizomes are difficult to eradicate with herbicide and even more difficult to manually dig out. Leaving behind even a small portion of rhizome means the plant will likely grow back.

The World Conservation Union lists it as one of the top 100 worst invasive species in the world. Here in Highland Park, we have found it in ravines, on bluffs, and in vegetative screens between neighbors and along property lines. The ground around knotweed colonies is often barren of organic material, leaving the soil vulnerable to erosion. Considering we often find this plant growing along waterways such as our rivers and ravines (because it is easily moved around in flood events), the potential for soil erosion is very concerning. The City is currently monitoring more than 20 colonies of Japanese Knotweed in Highland Park, and working to eradicate 5-6 of those with herbicide treatment applied by licensed professionals.

More information on Japanese Knotweed

Norway Maple

Norway maple is native to Northern Europe and is a popular tree in the Chicago area. It is currently ‘not recommended’ by the Morton Arboretum due to its habit of spreading aggressively. Here in Highland Park, they are popular with homeowners who often plant the variety with red leaves (incorrectly referred to as ‘red maples’). The City planted them extensively as street trees in the 1970s through the 1990s. However, we are now systematically removing them and replacing them with other species because of their invasive nature. They are also not long-lived, they are not resistant to rot and decay, and they are not resistant to storm damage.
Norway maple produces numerous wind-borne seeds that have aggressively invaded our ravines where they produce a heavy, dense shade that interferes with and prevents growth of native herbaceous perennials, such as our native grasses and wildflowers. These native grasses and wildflowers are deep-rooted and play an important role in the stability of steep slopes. Norway maple causing the absence of these native plants is a threat to ravine slope stability. Due to the invasive nature of this species and its effect on our ravine ecosystem, Norway maples put on a removal permit will be eligible for reduced replacement requirements and fees.

Two unique features of Highland Park's landscape are it's winding ravines and towering bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan. The ravines and bluffs provide invaluable ecological, structural, and financial benefits to the residents of Highland Park.

City code allows for the management and maintenance of the Steep Slope Zone, but there are strict regulations in place to ensure that Best Management Practices are followed. The ravines and bluffs, known as "Steep Slope Zone" under Chapter 150 of Highland Park City code, are sensitive to disturbance and caution needs to be taken when working or planning to work in these areas.

The City, along with the Park District of Highland Park, has developed a guide to Maintaining Ravine and Bluff Vegetation in the Steep Slope Zone.

Before working in the Steep Slope Zone, it is important to consult with a professional and contact the Department of Public Works Forestry Section for permit requirements. An approved permit is required for the removal of any vegetation (includes for landscaping, ecological restoration, or construction purposes) within the Steep Slope Zone. Topping trees to improve a view is forbidden.

For information related to ravine and bluff maintenance work or permit requirements for tree care, please see Tree Removal Permit Applications above.

The Robert McClory Bike Path (a.k.a. The Green Bay Trail) is a 25 mile trail connecting many of the communities along Lake Michigan in the northern suburbs of Chicago. The City of Highland Park has partnered with the Park District of Highland Park to create the McClory Bike Trail Pollinator Garden. The overarching goal of this initiative is the conversion of the primary cover from invasive vegetation to native species of shrubs, wildflowers, and trees. This will greatly improve the ecological value of this land by providing habitat to pollinating insects, birds, and animals while reducing maintenance cost incurred by invasive vegetation encroachment on the trail.

As with many forest patches in the North Shore, the invasive shrub Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) has become the dominant species in the understory, choking out beneficial native shrubs and perennial wildflowers. Buckthorn also influences overstory trees as it forms dense thickets, limiting what tree seedlings germinate and thrive. This has profoundly impacted the regeneration of many of our native hardwood trees in Highland Park’s Oak/Hickory forests.

This invasive shrub spreads readily and quickly forming monoculture stands, shading out and outcompeting natives for light and resources. With its rapid growth habit, additional financial burdens are created by the spread of this vegetation into walking paths, sidewalks and streets. Thereby requiring significant annual expenditures to remediate obstructions. This impact is present in park district properties, forest preserves, City rights-of way, and private property.

Buckthorn can also cause seriously detrimental consequences in our ravines and bluff where limiting the growth of deep rooted natives can compromise structural stability of steep slopes. Recognizing the threat posed by invasive species (such as Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, garlic mustard, Japanese Knotweed, etc...)  groups such as the Park District of Highland Park, The Friends of the Green Bay Trail, and Lake County/Cook County Forest Preserve Districts have sought to eliminate invasive species from their public lands.

In 2017, Highland Park received a ComEd Green Region grant to create pollinator friendly habitat along the McClory Bike Trail. Removal of invasive Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, and Norway Maple began Autumn 2017. Planting began Spring 2018 and still occurs each Spring and Autumn. City and Park District staff along with volunteers from Northwood Middle School and Highland Park High School have installed plugs, shrubs, and trees across two acres of the bike trail. A plan is being prepared to extend this effort to all 30 acres of public land adjacent to the bike trail.

For more information on this project or to volunteer at an upcoming event, please contact the Forestry Section at 847.432.0807.

Northwood Gives Back @ Lincoln Place (9.26.2019)

Spring 2018-Summer 2019

The City of Highland Park has made a commitment, through the Sustainability Plan, adopted by City Council in 2010, to reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic chemicals (e.g., pesticides and fertilizers). Accordingly, no "weed and feed" products or herbicides will be used on City maintained turf, except for those classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as exempt materials under 40CRF 152.25, or those pesticides of a character not requiring FIFRA regulation (e.g., horticultural vinegar). City wide, fertilizer use must comply with the City’s ban on phosphorus. Organic fertilizers are preferred as an alternative (e.g., organic compost for turf, mulch for flower beds).

For example, the City no longer sprays turf grass with pre or post-emergent herbicides to prevent dandelions or insecticides to prevent grubs and other ‘turf pests.’ Weed management in turf areas is accomplished by hand-pulling, or spot treating with organic herbicides such as essential oil-based, vinegar-based, fatty acid products, or increasing the frequency of the mowing cycle. Examples of products used include the brands Burnout or Phydura. Spot-treatment of weeds in hardscape areas, such as the brick pavers in the Central Business District, is accomplished by hand-pulling or spraying horticultural vinegar.

The City will use synthetic chemical-based herbicides to control aggressive, invasive species such as Buckthorn, Japanese Knotweed, and Phragmites. The treatments are typically associated with ecological restoration where invasive species need to be controlled for new native vegetation to establish. The application of these chemicals is performed by contractors meeting qualification and reference standards, as well as holding State of Illinois Commercial Pesticide Application/Operation licenses. Notification, application, and rate usage must comply with labelling guidelines and all applicable laws and regulations.

Non-Native Insect
Emerald ash borer (EAB) is a wood-boring beetle native to Southeast Asia (China and Korea). It was discovered in Michigan in the summer of 2002, having been accidentally introduced via wood packaging materials (e.g., wood shipping pallets). EAB larvae feeds on ash trees, quickly resulting in tree mortality. State and local governments made significant efforts to eradicate and contain the insect. Despite this, EAB has spread to 28 states and the future of our native Ash population appears uncertain.

Ash Tree Removal
The City’s Forestry Section stopped planting ash trees in 2003 once it was understood EAB would not be quarantined in Michigan. Since 2011, when EAB was discovered here in Highland Park, the City has been removing ash trees located on public property. Ash trees made up approximately 15% of our street tree population in 2011, but as of summer 2020 are down to about 1% of street trees. Though treatment to prevent Emerald Ash Borer attack on ash trees is possible, it is not financially feasible on a city-wide scale. However, homeowners should consult a Certified Arborist as preserving their ash may make sense.

Ash that have been attacked and killed by EAB should be removed promptly to reduce risk to life and property. Small dead Ash often fail at ground level and fall over. Large dead Ash can also fail entirely, after first dropping large limbs. The City encourages residents to proactively remove any potentially unsafe tree(s) including those on or very close to property lines. In these situations, it is important to work with your neighbor.

Identifying Dutch Elm Disease
The most apparent symptom of DED is a characteristic wilting of leaves. These wilting leaves will first turn yellow and hang from the branch (much like a flag without a breeze). The “flagging” leaves will subsequently turn brown and prematurely drop. Often fallen leaves can be found on the ground below infected elm trees, in the late spring and summer months, particularly in hot/humid weather.

In the early stages of infection, flagging is typically isolated to a single branch of the tree. In later stages of infection branch dieback will extend into a larger portion of the tree’s canopy, until eventually the tree will succumb to the disease.

Tunnels from the Elm Bark Beetle leave a unique starburst pattern.

BUYING OR SELLING A HOME  -  DID YOU INSPECT THE TREES?

When marketing a home for sale, most sellers will either disclose any known issues up front, or perform repairs around the house to get the most value out of their home. One area that is often overlooked with a home inspection is the landscaping on the property, in particular, the trees.

The health and proximity of the trees to the house is an important feature not to be overlooked. Any remedial maintenance efforts, after the sale of home, could be costly and potentially dangerous if there are diseased or dead trees on the property.

A good example of this would be standing dead or dying trees that are infested with either Emerald Ash Borer or Dutch Elm Disease. Removal of these trees may involve a significant investment to keep the property safe. And at certain times of the year, identifying these trees may be very difficult by an untrained eye. Both Emerald Ash Borer and Dutch Elm Disease are well established in Lake County and Highland Park.

A careful inspection of the landscaping and trees on a property can help you sell your home or help avert any unexpected future costs. The City recommends contacting a Certified Arborist to assess the trees and identify any potential concerns on the property.

If you are considering the purchase of a new home that would involve significant construction (e.g., additions, demolition and re-development) we strongly recommend you consult us on tree impacts before-hand. As the removal of trees is regulated by Highland Park City Code, please contact the Forestry Section at 847.432.0807 if you have any questions regarding tree preservation or removal.