Des Plaines Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

Contact Des Plaines's Department of Public Works for Tree Permits & Municipal Oversight

Tree removal in Des Plaines is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest. The Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees all removals of trees within public rights-of-way, including parkways and city-owned properties. Permits are required for removing any tree 6 inches or greater in diameter at breast height (DBH) for protected species, and 8 inches or greater for public trees. Applications must be submitted 7-14 days in advance, with site inspections and written determinations provided. Emergency removals for hazardous trees are authorized through expedited protocols. Public hearings may be required for significant or heritage tree removals. The DPW also coordinates with municipal forestry programs, manages public notifications, and enforces compliance through penalties and bond requirements. For detailed permit procedures and municipal oversight, contact:

Public Works and Engineering Department
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5464
Official Website: Public Works and Engineering Department

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Des Plaines

Des Plaines mandates that tree health assessments and risk evaluations be conducted by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. These professionals use standardized risk rating systems (low, moderate, high, extreme) and provide detailed documentation on structural integrity, disease, and pest presence. Additional credentials such as the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) and Illinois arborist licensing are required for formal assessments and supervision of removals. Large tree removals may necessitate certified crane operators, and chemical treatments require commercial pesticide applicator licenses. Common local species include oaks, maples, ash, elm, and hackberry, with threats from emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease. Before removal, alternatives like structural pruning, cabling, soil improvement, and integrated pest management are considered. Liability insurance and professional standards are strictly enforced.

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

Tree removal activities in Des Plaines must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to safeguard water quality and local 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 line with Illinois Department of Natural Resources and federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act requirements. Stormwater management must align with Des Plaines’s MS4 permit and EPA NPDES standards. Invasive species, such as buckthorn and pest-infested ash, require special disposal and quarantine procedures. For further guidance, consult the Clean Water Act and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5.

Municipal Tree Protection Ordinances & Public Tree Management in Des Plaines

Des Plaines enforces specific tree protection ordinances, including permit thresholds for both private and public property. Heritage or landmark trees, often defined by species and diameter, require special review and documentation. Permit applications must include site plans and arborist reports, with review timelines and public notification requirements. 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. Professional liability standards require contractors to carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and municipal bonding for public contracts. The city maintains a public tree inventory, conducts systematic inspections, and implements proactive hazard identification and community planting initiatives. For planning and regulatory questions, contact:

Planning and Zoning Division
1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Planning and Zoning Division

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Des Plaines

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations. The Des Plaines Building Department oversees permits for large removals near structures, ensuring compliance with building codes and utility coordination. 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 includes advance notification to electric, gas, water, and telecommunications providers, with JULIE (811) requiring a minimum 48-hour notice for root zone excavation. Qualified line clearance arborists are mandatory for work near power lines, maintaining a minimum 10-foot approach distance. Public safety measures include street closure permits, traffic control plans, barricades, and coordination with the Des Plaines Police Department. Contractors must maintain $1 million minimum liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. For permit and safety information, contact:

Building Division & Permits
1420 Miner Street, 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Building Division & Permits

Proper Tree Debris Disposal Through Des Plaines's Municipal Programs & Illinois Waste Requirements

Des Plaines supports Illinois’s organic waste diversion goals by prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting municipal composting and wood waste programs. The city operates composting facilities and transfer sites with specific hours, permit requirements, and accepted material guidelines (logs, brush, stumps). Seasonal brush pickup is available, typically requiring 4-foot lengths and 50-pound bundles, with advance scheduling for curbside placement. 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. Emergency storm debris management involves FEMA coordination and contractor support. Residents are encouraged to utilize these programs to ensure compliance with state and local waste regulations.

Protecting Des Plaines's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Des Plaines’s urban forest management emphasizes tree replacement and community stewardship. Replacement requirements specify native or climate-adapted species, typically 2-3 inch caliper, with standards for planting locations, spacing, and establishment care. In-lieu fees may apply 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, 20% of a single genus) to enhance climate resilience. 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 for aging trees and integration with green infrastructure and sustainability goals. For community forestry programs, contact:

Community and Economic Development Department
1420 Miner Street, 2nd Floor, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5380
Official Website: Community and Economic Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Des Plaines, IL?

Des Plaines’s neighborhoods each present unique tree removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Downtown Des Plaines: Features mature oaks and maples, with historic district review requirements and limited equipment access due to narrow streets. Overhead utilities and high pedestrian traffic necessitate strict safety and traffic control measures.
• Cumberland: Known for large, aging elms and ash, with high emerald ash borer pressure. Proximity to the Des Plaines River requires erosion control and MS4 compliance. Homeowner associations may impose additional approval steps.
• Lake Opeka Area: Contains heritage trees and flood-prone zones, requiring careful planning for stormwater management and rare species habitat protection. Equipment access is often limited by landscaping and parking restrictions.
• Southwest Des Plaines: Characterized by newer developments with diverse species and fewer regulatory hurdles, but frequent storm damage and invasive species concentrations. Utility conflicts are common due to underground lines.
• Ballard Road Corridor: Commercial and mixed-use, with business district impacts, seasonal occupancy, and complex traffic control needs. Permit timelines may be extended due to public hearings and infrastructure integration.
• Northwest Park: Features steep slopes and proximity to wetlands, requiring advanced erosion control and environmental sensitivity. Community engagement is high, with active participation in tree replacement and preservation programs.

Des Plaines Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Des Plaines regulates tree removal equipment operation to minimize community disruption and ensure safety. 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 $1 million minimum general liability insurance, workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage. Bonding is required for municipal contracts, and arborist certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, work zone setup, and OSHA compliance. Environmental standards mandate proper material handling, immediate cleanup, and compliance with Illinois EPA and local stormwater protection measures. For licensing and compliance information, contact:

Public Works and Engineering Department
1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road, Des Plaines, IL 60016
Phone: (847) 391-5464
Official Website: Public Works and Engineering Department