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Trees
Purpose and Intent
of the
Tree Preservation Ordinance
(Download the Ordinance here)
- To maintain and preserve mature trees within the Village on both public and private property.
- To preserve the natural and wooded characteristics of the Village.
- To promote public health, safety and general welfare including, but not limited to, the reduction of noise, air pollution and the preservation of natural resources.
- Trees promote the quality of life environmentally and aesthetically.
- Trees are one of the primary distinctive factors that cause Indian Head Park to be a desirable place to live and work.
Tree Permit
Requirements and Procedures
The removal, replacement and/or impacting of trees in the Village of Indian Head Park is prohibited and unlawful.
For proper removal, a tree permit issued by the Village of Indian Head Park is required.
To remove trees that are irreversibly declining, in danger of falling, may be too close to an existing structure, interference with utility services, or unsafe clearance, the permit fee may be waived by the Village.
Protective fencing must be installed within fifteen (15) feet of any trees on a subject property where construction activity is taking place.
Applications for a tree permit can be obtained at the Administration Office during regular business hours or downloaded here.
Tree Planting Techniques
(as suggested by the National Arbor Day Foundation)
Instructions for containerized trees
If a tree is planted correctly, it will grow twice as fast and live at least twice as long as one that is incorrectly planted. Ideally, dig or rototill an area one foot deep and approximately five times the diameter of the root ball. The prepared soil will encourage root growth beyond the root ball and results in a healthier tree. In transplanting trees, be sure to keep soil around the roots. Help prevent root girdling by vertically cutting any roots that show tendencies to circle the root ball. After placing the tree, pack the soil firmly, but not tightly around the root ball. Water the soil and place a three foot protective circle of mulch around the tree.
Instructions for bare root seedlings
Unpack the tree and soak in water for three to six hours. Dig a hole wide and deep enough so that the roots will not be crowded. To promote root growth, turn the soil in an area up to three feet in diameter. Fill the excavation area with soil packing the area lightly. Newly planted trees need plenty of water. After a thorough watering at the base of the tree, place a 2" layer of mulch around the base. During dry weather, water the tree generously every week or ten days during the first year of growth.
Tree City USA
The Village of Indian Head Park has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation for more than ten years. The Tree City USA Program is sponsored by the National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.
Helpful Information and Links
Please be aware that the following links will take you outside the Village's website.
Please see our disclaimer for further information.
The National Arbor Day Foundation
(402)474-5655
www.arborday.org
The Morton Arboretum
(630)968-0074
www.mortonarb.org
J.U.L.I.E.
(Joint Utilities Location Information for Excavators)
www.illinois1call.com
General Tree Planting Information
www.tree-planting.com