Highland Park Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

Contact Highland Park's Department of Public Works for Tree Permits & Municipal Oversight

Tree removal in Highland Park is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest. The Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees all tree removal activities on public property and within parkways, requiring permits for the removal of trees typically 6 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH) for protected species and 8 inches or greater for public trees. Permit applications must be submitted in advance, with a review period of 7-14 days, and may require a public hearing for significant or heritage tree removals. Emergency removals due to hazardous conditions are subject to expedited protocols, but must be reported promptly. The DPW coordinates with municipal forestry programs, manages public notifications, and enforces compliance through inspections, bond requirements, and penalties for unauthorized removals. For detailed permit procedures and municipal oversight, contact:

Public Works Department
1150 Half Day Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 432-0807
Official Website: Public Works Department

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Highland Park

Highland Park mandates that tree health assessments and risk evaluations be conducted by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. These professionals use standardized protocols to assess structural integrity, disease presence, pest infestations, and storm damage. Arborists with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) are required for formal risk ratings, and Illinois arborist licensing is necessary where applicable. Large removals may require certified crane operators, and chemical treatments demand commercial pesticide applicator licenses. Common local species include oaks, maples, ash, elm, and hackberry, with threats such as emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease. Before removal, alternatives like structural pruning, cabling, soil improvement, and integrated pest management should be considered. Professional liability insurance is required for all assessment and removal services.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Tree Removal & Water Quality Protection

Tree removal operations in Highland Park must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to protect water quality and sensitive habitats. Coordination with watershed protection programs is essential to prevent debris and sediment from entering streams, rivers, and wetlands. Erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and immediate site stabilization, are required, especially on slopes or near water bodies. Nesting bird surveys (March–August) and bat habitat assessments are mandated for large or cavity trees, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Stormwater management must align with Highland Park’s MS4 permit and EPA NPDES requirements, using best practices from the Illinois Urban Manual. Invasive species, such as buckthorn and emerald ash borer-infested material, must be disposed of following state quarantine protocols. For federal water quality standards, see the Clean Water Act and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

Municipal Tree Protection Ordinances & Public Tree Management in Highland Park

Highland Park enforces detailed tree protection ordinances, requiring permits for removal of trees above specific DBH thresholds on both private and public property. Heritage or landmark trees, identified by species and size, are subject to additional protections and may require public hearings for removal. Permit applications must include site plans, arborist reports, and justification for removal, with review timelines typically within two weeks. Coordination with the Building and Planning Departments is necessary for removals affecting structures or significant site changes. Enforcement includes violation reporting, citations, stop-work orders, and correction timelines. Contractors must carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage. The city maintains a public tree inventory, conducts systematic inspections, and implements proactive hazard identification and community planting programs. For ordinance details and public tree management, contact:

Community Development Department
1150 Half Day Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 432-0807
Official Website: Community Development Department

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Highland Park

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations. The Highland Park Building Department oversees permits for removals impacting structures and ensures compliance with building codes. OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266, 1926 Subpart R) require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), certified rigging and climbing practices, aerial lift safety, and fall protection systems. Utility coordination is critical: advance notification to electric, gas, water, and telecommunications providers is required, and JULIE (811) must be contacted at least 48 hours before root zone excavation. Clearance protocols for overhead lines and qualified line clearance arborists are mandatory. Public safety measures include street closure permits, barricades, signage, and coordination with the Police Department for traffic management. Contractors must maintain insurance coverage of at least $1 million in general liability. For safety and permit guidance, contact:

Building Division
1150 Half Day Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 432-0808
Official Website: Building Division

Proper Tree Debris Disposal Through Highland Park's Municipal Programs & Illinois Waste Requirements

Highland Park supports Illinois’ organic waste diversion goals by prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting municipal composting and wood waste programs. Residents and contractors must use designated composting facilities or transfer sites, adhering to operating hours, permit requirements, and material specifications (logs, brush, stumps). Seasonal brush pickup is available, with size and weight limitations, and special collections are organized after storms. Wood waste diversion options include municipal chipping programs, sawmill partnerships for valuable species, firewood processing, and biomass energy generation. Storm debris management follows FEMA protocols, requiring debris separation and coordination with regional mutual aid programs. For debris disposal procedures and schedules, contact:

Public Works Department
1150 Half Day Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 432-0807
Official Website: Public Works Department

Protecting Highland Park's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Tree replacement is a cornerstone of Highland Park’s urban forest management. Replacement species must be native or climate-adapted, with minimum size specifications (typically 2–3 inch caliper). Planting locations and spacing are regulated to ensure long-term canopy health, and establishment care protocols with survival guarantees are enforced. In-lieu fees may be required if on-site planting is not feasible. The city aims for 30–40% canopy coverage and promotes species diversity (no more than 10% of a single species). Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer planting events, Arbor Day celebrations, educational workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Preservation alternatives include health maintenance, structural support for heritage trees, integrated pest management, and root zone protection during construction. Long-term planning addresses succession, climate adaptation, and integration with green infrastructure. For stewardship programs and replacement guidelines, contact:

Planning Division
1150 Half Day Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035
Phone: (847) 432-0867
Official Website: Planning Division

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Highland Park, IL?

Highland Park’s neighborhoods each present unique tree removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Ravinia District: Mature oaks and maples, historic district review requirements, narrow streets limit equipment access, proximity to Ravinia Park and wetlands necessitates erosion control, high community engagement in tree preservation.
• Braeside: Large parkway elms and ash, high emerald ash borer pressure, utility conflicts with overhead lines, MS4 stormwater requirements near Skokie River, HOA approval needed for removals.
• Sheridan Road Corridor: Landmark trees along scenic byway, strict permit and public hearing requirements, traffic control on arterial roads, steep slopes require advanced erosion control, business district impacts.
• Highlands: Mixed-age tree population, invasive buckthorn concentrations, moderate storm damage history, parking restrictions for equipment, close proximity to residential schools.
• Hybernia: Newer developments with young trees, HOA landscaping standards, underground utilities, limited street parking, flood-prone areas near wetlands.
• East Highland Park: Heritage trees, conservation easements, deed restrictions, access limitations from alleys, rare species habitat near Lake Michigan bluffs.
• West Ridge: Older neighborhoods with mature canopy, frequent storm debris, narrow lots, high property value standards for replacement, senior community safety needs.

Highland Park Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Tree removal equipment operation in Highland Park is regulated to minimize community disruption and environmental impact. Permitted operating hours are typically 7:00 AM–8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions enforced by municipal ordinance. Contractors must obtain a business license, register with the city, and provide proof of insurance (minimum $1 million general liability, workers’ compensation, property damage). Bonding is required for municipal contract work, and arborist certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment operation, OSHA compliance, and public notification. Environmental compliance mandates proper material handling, debris containment, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and documentation of waste disposal. All operations must coordinate with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local environmental ordinances to protect stormwater and prevent erosion.