Tree Protection in Evanston, IL

If you live in Evanston or are thinking about moving there, tree protection are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Evanston has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of tree protection, and some of them might surprise you.

Parkway Planting

Evanston caps what residents can plant in the street parkway: shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses, and annuals can't mature taller than 3 feet, new parkway trees must sit 15 feet from any crosswalk, and any parkway planting needs a free Public Works permit.

Key details: Max plant height: 3 feet in parkway. Tree setback: 15 ft from crosswalks/intersections. Planting permit cost: Free. Maintenance commitment: 3 years minimum. Temp fencing allowance: One 8-week period per year.

Planting a shrub, perennial, grass, or annual over 3 feet tall in a parkway, or planting a tree within 15 feet of a crosswalk, without first obtaining a Public Works permit is unlawful under Section 7-8-4-1(A).

Protected Tree Species

Evanston protects every public tree at 2 inches DBH and every Group A, B, C or D tree at 6 inches DBH. Trees below those minimums are excluded from protection. Multi-stemmed trees follow a separate measuring rule that depends on whether the tree is under or over 20 feet tall.

Key details: Public trees: Protected at 2 inches DBH. Groups A, B, C and D: Each protected at 6 inches DBH. Multi-stem under 20 feet tall: Largest single trunk at 4.5 feet above grade. Multi-stem over 20 feet tall: DBH of all trunks added together. Regulated work zone: Within 25 feet of the trunk.

Section 7-8-8-12 sets a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $1,500 for each violation of Chapter 8. Each damaged or removed tree is a separate violation, and each day a violation continues is another one. Damaged or removed trees must also be replaced. Under section 7-8-8-11, a tree destroyed before a permit application to dodge the chapter can draw added mitigation. The Director of Public Works and designees hold full police powers to issue citations and summonses.

This is one of the stricter rules in Evanston's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Evanston's tree protection 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 Evanston is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Evanston can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.