Tree Protection in Chicago, IL (2026)
7 verified tree protection rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Removal of parkway trees (in the public right-of-way) requires authorization from the Bureau of Forestry under MCC 10-32. Private trees on private property do not require permits for removal in most cases.
Chicago Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Chicago does not have a formal heritage tree or landmark tree ordinance. However, parkway trees of significant size or age receive practical protection through the Bureau of Forestry's management under MCC 10-32, and notable trees are documented in the city's tree inventory.
Chicago Heritage Tree Protections
Some RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Chicago requires replacement of parkway trees damaged or removed during construction with a minimum 4-inch caliper B&B tree under MCC 10-32. The city also plants replacement trees for dead or dying parkway trees through the Bureau of Forestry.
Chicago Tree Replacement Requirements
Heavy RestrictionsTree Ordinances
The City of Chicago protects trees through the Chicago Municipal Code and the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Streets and Sanitation. Parkway trees (street trees in the public right-of-way) are city property and cannot be removed, pruned, or damaged without authorization. Private property trees over 10 inches in diameter require a tree removal permit when removal is associated with development. The city's urban canopy goal aims to increase tree coverage to 20% or more.
Chicago Tree Protection Ordinance
Some RestrictionsProtected Tree Species
Chicago's Bureau of Forestry within Streets and Sanitation has exclusive jurisdiction over parkway trees under MCC 10-32. Private property tree removal is largely unregulated, but parkway and park trees are protected with strict permit and replacement requirements.
Bureau Of Forestry Protects Parkway Trees And Sets Replacement Rules
Some RestrictionsParkway Planting
Chicago Bureau of Forestry under MCC 10-32 owns and manages all parkway trees. Residents may not plant on the parkway without permission; approved species come from the Bureau's published list emphasizing salt tolerance, disease resistance, and canopy diversity.
Parkway Trees Selected From Bureau Of Forestry Approved Species List
Some RestrictionsUrban Forest Equity
Chicago's Our Roots Chicago initiative aims to plant 75,000 trees by 2027 with priority for low-canopy neighborhoods on the South and West sides. The Tree Master Plan and CDPH heat-vulnerability data steer plantings toward equity-priority blocks.
Our Roots Chicago Targets Canopy Equity Through 75,000-Tree Plan
Few RestrictionsLooking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Tree Protection in Cook County →