Des Plaines's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Des Plaines, Illinois, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Weed Ordinances

Des Plaines City Code section 5-5-4 declares it a nuisance to let weeds, grass or plants (other than trees, bushes, flowers, vegetables or ornamental plants) grow over six inches (6 in) high on any lot or tract of land in the city.

Key details: Code Section: Des Plaines City Code 5-5-4. Maximum Height: 6 inches. Compliance Window: 5 days after notice (Ord. M-20-11). Admin Fee on Abatement: 25% of mowing cost + lien.

After a 5-day notice, the City may abate the nuisance (mow the lot) and recover its costs plus a 25% administrative fee, and may record a lien against the property. Fines apply under the general penalty (section 1-4-1), with each day a separate offense.

Tree Trimming

Parkway (right-of-way) trees in Des Plaines must be trimmed and maintained per City Code Chapter 8-4 to avoid obstructions and safety hazards; trimming or removing a parkway tree requires a permit from Public Works, and parkway trees must be planted in conformance with 8-4-1.

Key details: Code Chapter: Des Plaines City Code Ch. 8-4 (Parkway Trees). Trimming Standard: sec. 8-4-3 (maintain, avoid obstructions). Planting Standard: sec. 8-4-1 (conformance required). Permit: Public Works permit to trim/remove parkway tree. Forestry Contact: Public Works 847-391-5464.

Trimming or removing a parkway tree without a Public Works permit, or failing to maintain parkway trees, is a code violation subject to fines under the general penalty (section 1-4-1), with each day a separate offense. The City may perform required work and bill the responsible owner.

The Bottom Line

Des Plaines'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 Des Plaines is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Des Plaines's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.