How Joliet Handles Tree Protection: A Practical Guide

Joliet maintains 121 local ordinances across all categories, and 3 of those deal specifically with tree protection. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Joliet falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Heritage & Protected Trees

The City of Joliet's Forestry Division within the Department of Public Works oversees heritage tree designations and protections for significant trees on public property. Parkway trees (in the public right-of-way) are city property and receive strong protections. Heritage tree designations may apply to trees of exceptional size, age, or historical significance on city-maintained property.

Key details: Managing Division: Forestry Division, Department of Public Works. Total Trees Managed: Over 80,000 trees and 50 landscape areas. Parkway Trees: City property; certified arborist required for work. Heritage Designation: Based on age, size, species, or historical significance. Tree Service License: Required for tree service businesses in Joliet.

Unauthorized removal, pruning, or damage to parkway trees or designated heritage trees on public property may result in fines and required replacement. Tree service companies operating without a license face additional penalties.

Tree Replacement Requirements

The City of Joliet requires replacement planting when parkway trees are removed. The Forestry Division manages tree replacement on public property and parkways. When development projects result in tree removal, mitigation through replacement planting or payment may be required. The city maintains an Approved Tree List specifying acceptable replacement species.

Key details: Parkway Replacement: City replaces removed parkway trees through Forestry Division. Approved Species: Replacement must use species from Approved Tree List. Development Projects: Tree replacement conditions may be imposed during approval. Resident Requests: Can request new parkway tree planting from the city. Tree Fund: Payment in lieu of planting may be accepted.

Failure to comply with tree replacement conditions attached to development approvals may result in enforcement action, including withholding of certificates of occupancy.

Tree Removal Permits

The City of Joliet requires permits for the removal of trees on public property and in the public right-of-way. Parkway trees are city property managed by the Forestry Division, and only certified arborists may perform work on them. Private property trees do not require a city permit for removal, but tree service businesses must hold a valid Tree Service Business License.

Key details: Parkway Trees: City property; permit required for any work. Private Trees: No city permit required for residential removal. Arborist Required: Certified arborist required for parkway tree work. Dead Tree Removal: City removes dead/dying parkway trees at no cost. Business License: Tree Service Business License required for companies.

Unauthorized removal or damage to parkway trees may result in fines and required replacement at the violator's expense. Tree service businesses operating without a license face penalties.

The Bottom Line

Joliet'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 Joliet is broadly strict or permissive.

These rules come from Joliet's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.