The Village of Glenview

 Image of a trees in a park.

Tree – Maintenance


The Village of Glenview has received the Tree City U.S.A. award every year since 1984.  The Public Works Department is responsible for the all public trees in Glenview, which includes planting, maintaining and removing trees. 

Parkway tree maintenance and removal

Trees within public roads and rights-of-way are owned and maintained by the Village. Trimming of parkway trees is currently done on a six-year cycle. The Public Works Department removes dead parkway trees.  Diseased elms are tagged and promptly removed by Village crews.  According to the Village of Glenview Municipal Code, diseased elms on private property are tagged and the property owners are required to remove the trees at their expense.

Funding has also been allocated to address the impact of the destructive Emerald Ash Borer on parkway trees.

Parkway tree planting

Parkway tree planting by the Village is done in the spring and fall each year.  Parkway tree plantings are funded 100 percent by the Village. The number and location of plantings is determined according to the following three priorities and annual funding availability:

  1. Residents who have lost parkway trees and have sufficient area in the parkway receive a replacement tree of 2-inch diameter within the next planting season.
  2. Annually, sections of the Village are slated for reforestation as part of the Village's five-year Capital Improvements Program.
  3. Residents requesting trees and who have parkway space available receive a new tree.  Note: there may be a considerable waiting period since requests always exceed funds available.

Tree Preservation Ordinance

The Village of Glenview's Tree Preservation Ordinance was adopted on November 7, 2000 and amended on January 6, 2015. All landmark trees are protected. Landmark trees are defined as trees that are 16 inches or more in diameter at the breast height (DBH) measured at 4 1/2 feet above the ground, which are a higher quality species such as oaks, hickories or maples.  Other trees that are a lesser quality species, such as cottonwood or box elder, must be 20 inches DBH in order to be protected.  Measurement to determine that a tree is smaller than 16 inches in diameter must be done with DBH tape at 4 feet above the ground or pre tape at base of tree.
 
You must apply for a permit to remove a landmark tree or to do any work on a property that is likely to damage any landmark tree; justification for removal should be provided.  If approved for a permit to remove a landmark tree, you may be required to plant additional replacement trees or pay a tree replacement fee, based on the square inches of tree(s) removed.  Contact the Inspectional Services Division at (847) 904-4340 for a permit.

The Tree Standards Manual is intended to define and clarify specific requirements identified in the Tree Preservation Ordinance. The manual addresses tree removal and replacement on public and private property.

​Urban Forest Management Plan​​

An urban forest includes the trees growing in a city, town or suburb, and Glenview’s Urban Forest Management Plan outlines the goals, budgets and best practices for the management of the Village's urban forest through 2032. 

The mission of the Plan is to increase the tree canopy cover within the Village and maximize the benefits trees provide. The Plan, which was supported by a grant from the USDA Forest Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources through the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, was approved by the Village Board in 2022.

The Village does not provide pickups for bulk items such as appliances and brush.  These arrangements must be made directly by the homeowner with Groot Industries by calling (847) 734-6450. 

Grass and weeds

The Village actively enforces the ordinances regarding the cutting of privately owned lots. Grass and weeds must not exceed 8 inches in height.  

FAQs

When will my tree be trimmed?

Trimming of parkway trees and other trees located on Village rights-of-ways are currently done on a seven-year cycle.  If you are not sure if a tree is on your property or Village property, call Public Works at (847) 657-3030.  Forestry Division personnel will come to the site and measure to make that determination.

What is Glenview's tree policy?

The Public Works Department removes dead parkway trees.  Trees infected with Dutch elm disease are tagged and promptly removed by the Village.  According to the Village of Glenview Municipal Code, diseased elms on private property are tagged and the property owners are required to remove the trees at their expense.

Village parkway tree planting is done once each year, in the spring.  Parkway tree plantings are funded 100 percent by the Village.  The number and location of plantings is determined according to the following three priorities and annual funding availability:

  1. Residents who have lost parkway trees and have sufficient area in the parkway receive a 2 inches diameter replacement tree within the next planting season.
  2. Annually, sections of the Village are slated for reforestation as part of the Village's five-year Capital Improvements Program. 
  3. Residents requesting trees and who have parkway space available receive a new tree.  Please note, there may be a waiting period since the number of requests exceed funds available.

The parkway tree in front of my house was removed.  When will it be replaced?

After a tree is cut down the stump and root system are removed to eight inches below the surface, leaving the remaining root system to decompose. Because of this, a tree cannot be replaced immediately upon removal. Requests for replacement trees are met in the order in which the trees are removed and are subject to annual tree budgets.

When does the Village plant sod, and when is black dirt seed used?

After a water main break or sewer excavation, sod is used to restore the yard.  Six months are needed after the main break to let the ground settle before the repair can be done.  For stump removal or plow damage, black dirt and seed are used to repair the yard.  It is very important to water the seed after it has been planted in order for it to grow properly.

The parkway tree in front of my house has a loose or hanging tree limb.  What do I do?

Call Public Works Department at (847) 657-3030, to make a service request.  If the tree is on the parkway, it is the responsibility of the Village.  If it is from a private tree, the homeowner is responsible for removing the limb.

How are leaves collected?

You can bag leaves with landscape waste bags, which can then be picked up by Groot with your weekly garbage. The Village does not provide a separate leaf collection program.

Who should I call to pick up brush?

The Village does not provide brush pickup.  Call Groot Industries at (847) 734-6450.