Landscaping Rules in Arlington Heights, IL (2026)
3 verified landscaping rules for Arlington Heights, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Arlington Heights Municipal Code Section 20-604 makes it the duty of the owner of the abutting property to trim any tree, limb, or shrub that overhangs a sidewalk or roadway when it impedes traffic or foot travel. The Department of Public Works enforces the requirement village-wide in Cook County, and Chapter 20's general penalty applies to owners who leave the obstruction in place.
Arlington Heights Duty to Trim Sidewalk Trees
Some RestrictionsArlington Heights Municipal Code § 20-604
Any tree, limb or shrub which overhangs any sidewalk or roadway in such a way as to impede or interfere with traffic or travel shall be trimmed by the owner of the abutting premises on which the tree or shrub grows so that the obstruction shall be eliminated.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Arlington Heights Municipal Code Section 20-602 requires a Department of Public Works permit before anyone damages or removes a tree or shrub growing in a public street or parkway. The permit costs $20.00 plus the tree's appraised value, and anyone who removes or damages one without authorization owes the Village the full replacement value plus restoration costs.
Arlington Heights Parkway Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsArlington Heights Municipal Code § 20-602
It shall be unlawful to damage or remove any tree or shrub located in any public street or parkway without having secured a permit from the Department of Public Works.
Weed Ordinances
Arlington Heights, Illinois caps weed and grass height at 12 inches on vacant land and eight inches on occupied lots under Section 19-201(a) of the Cook County village's nuisance code. Section 19-209 makes it unlawful for any owner or occupant to let growth exceed those limits anywhere on the lot, including the parkway strip out to the curb.
Arlington Heights Weed and Grass Height Limit
Some RestrictionsArlington Heights Municipal Code §§ 19-201(a), 19-209
Section 19-201 - Definitions. a.Improper Growth of Weeds or Grasses. All weeds or grasses on vacant land over 12 inches in height from the ground and all weeds or grasses on occupied lots over eight inches in height from the ground. ... Section 19-209 - Growth or Accumulation-Lots. It shall be unlawful for any owner, lessee or occupant, or his or her agent, servant, representative or employee, ...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Arlington Heights city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Cook County →