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Parkway Tree Care Guidelines
Parkway trees are a shared investment in the long-term health, beauty, and sustainability of the Village. Each tree planted in the public right-of-way represents a commitment by the Village and the adjacent property owner to nurture and protect a valuable public asset. While the Village is responsible for planting and structural maintenance, residents play an important role in supporting new and established trees through proper care and awareness.
Caring for Newly Planted Parkway Trees
Did you notice a new tree planted near your home? Newly planted parkway trees are an important investment in Lincolnwood’s urban forest, and the first few years after planting are critical to their long-term health. With a little extra care, residents can help new trees establish strong roots and grow successfully.
Watering is essential
New trees need consistent watering, especially during the first one to two growing seasons. A slow, deep watering once or twice a week during dry periods helps encourage deep root growth. Water should soak the soil around the base of the tree rather than run off the surface.
Protect the trunk
Please avoid damaging the trunk with lawn mowers, string trimmers, or landscaping equipment. Even small cuts to the bark can cause long-term harm or lead to disease.
Avoid pruning
Newly planted parkway trees should not be pruned by homeowners or landscapers. Public Works will handle all pruning to ensure proper structure and growth.
Watch for signs of stress
If your new tree has drooping leaves, poor leaf growth, broken branches, or appears to be struggling, please get in touch with Public Works. Newly planted parkway trees are covered by a one-year warranty, and early reporting allows staff to address issues promptly.
Caring for Established Parkway Trees
Mature parkway trees provide shade, improve air quality, manage stormwater, and enhance neighborhood character. While these trees are owned and maintained by the Village, residents play an important role in helping them remain healthy.
Routine care is handled by the Village
Public Works maintains parkway trees on a six-year trimming cycle. Trees do not require annual pruning, and unnecessary trimming can cause stress or long-term damage.
Do not prune parkway trees
Pruning or removing parkway trees by homeowners or private landscapers is not permitted and may result in code enforcement action or fines. All trimming and removals must be performed by Public Works.
Protect the tree, roots, and soil
Avoid piling soil, mulch, or landscaping materials against the trunk, and do not park vehicles or place heavy equipment on the tree’s root zone. Soil compaction can restrict water and oxygen from reaching the roots.
Placing an excessive amount of mulch or landscaping around trees can cause the roots to girdle, or the base of the tree to start rotting.
It is not recommended to hang any lights or wires around the trees. In an emergency, this will delay Public Works' ability to do emergency maintenance or routine trimming.
Report concerns early
If you notice dead branches, significant leaf loss, pest concerns, or damage from storms or construction, please contact Public Works. Early evaluation helps prevent small issues from becoming larger problems. Please note that the department does routine trimming on a cycle and can not guarantee trimming per request.
Let Trees Grow
Parkway trees are living infrastructure and are not designed to support attached items of any kind.
Installing fixtures such as electrical or solar devices, flags, signs, swings, lights, or other hardware is not permitted. These attachments injure the tree by puncturing bark and wood, introducing decay and disease, and restricting the tree’s ability to safely grow and respond to wind. They also create serious safety hazards for Public Works crews performing pruning, storm response, and maintenance, as hidden wires, fasteners, and hardware increase the risk of injury and equipment damage. In many cases, the presence of attachments prevents proper maintenance and may require the removal of the tree if it becomes unsafe due to the attachments. Trees with attachments will not be pruned by Public Works, and scheduled maintenance may be delayed for multiple years. Trees function best and last longest when they are allowed to grow naturally, without alterations or added loads.
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Public Works Department
Physical Address
7001 N Lawndale
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Phone: 847-675-0888Emergency Phone: 911