Landscaping Rules in Bolingbrook, IL: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Bolingbrook or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Bolingbrook has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

A tree removal permit is required to remove trees on private property in Bolingbrook. A Village forester inspects the tree before approval. The Village does not remove trees on private property. For trees near power lines, contact ComEd at 800-334-7661. Call JULIE at 811 before any digging. The Village maintains an Approved Tree List for parkway planting.

Key details: Private Removal: Permit required — forester inspection. Village Service: Does not remove private trees. Power Lines: Contact ComEd 800-334-7661. Before Digging: Call JULIE at 811.

Removing a protected tree without a permit: $500–$5,000 per tree. Heritage tree violations: up to $10,000 per tree plus mandatory replacement planting. Stop-work orders for development sites with unauthorized removal.

Grass Height Limits

Bolingbrook enforces property maintenance standards through Code Enforcement requiring lawns and vegetation to be maintained. Grass exceeding typical village standards (generally 8–10 inches in Illinois municipalities) constitutes a nuisance. Violations are handled by Code Enforcement at 630-226-8760.

Key details: Standard: Grass and weeds must be maintained. Enforcement: Code Enforcement 630-226-8760. State Law: 505 ILCS 100 — IL Noxious Weed Act. Email: pdcodeenforcement@bolingbrook.gov.

First violation receives a notice to mow within 10-14 days. Failure to comply: county mows and bills $200–$800 plus $150 admin fee. Repeat violations within 12 months face $100–$500 fines.

Tree Trimming

Bolingbrook's Forestry Department conducts seasonal block tree trimming on public trees, typically beginning in early winter through spring. A tree removal permit is required to remove trees on private property — a Village forester will inspect before approval. No permit is needed to trim trees on private property. The Village does not maintain private property trees.

Key details: Private Trimming: No permit required. Private Removal: Permit required — forester inspection. Public Trees: Village Forestry handles seasonal trimming. Schedule: Early winter through spring.

Failure to trim overhanging branches after a notice results in the county performing the work and billing the owner $200–$2,000 depending on scope. Emergency removals for hazardous trees may be performed without prior notice.

Water Restrictions

Bolingbrook does not have a standing citywide irrigation restriction schedule. Water restrictions may be imposed during drought conditions. The Village recommends weekly deep watering rather than frequent watering for trees and lawns. Trees should receive about 10 gallons per week for the first year after planting.

Key details: Standing Restrictions: None — imposed during drought only. Recommendation: Weekly deep watering preferred. New Trees: 10 gallons/week for first year. Over-Watering: Cautioned — can harm trees and grass.

Water waste (runoff, midday watering) carries fines of $50–$200 per occurrence. Drought-stage violations escalate from warnings to $100-$500 fines with potential service flow restriction for repeat violators.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Bolingbrook gives residents more flexibility on water restrictions.

The Bottom Line

Bolingbrook's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Bolingbrook is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Bolingbrook's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.