Tree Protection in Chicago, IL (2026)
2 verified tree protection rules for Chicago, Illinois, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Heritage & Protected Trees
Chicago's code formally defines a "heritage tree" by age, size, or historical value and directs the Urban Forestry Advisory Board to build a Heritage Tree program, but sets no separate removal-permit rule yet.
Chicago Heritage Tree Program
Light RestrictionsChicago Municipal Code §§ 10-32-010(i), 10-32-245(b)(5)
"Heritage tree" means a tree of special significance to the City because of its age, size, type, historical association, or horticultural value. ... Powers and duties. The board shall have the following powers and duties: ... (5) Establish a Heritage Tree program.
Parkway Planting
Chicago requires one parkway tree per 25 feet of frontage, minimum 2.5-inch caliper, planted to city forestry specs.
Chicago Parkway Tree Planting Standards
Some RestrictionsChicago Municipal Code § 10-32-220
Each parkway tree shall have a minimum caliper of two and one-half inches or a minimum of four inches within the Central Area (an area bounded by North Avenue; Lake Michigan; Cermak Road; and Ashland Avenue) as measured at a point six inches above grade level and shall be balled and burlapped. Curbs and low railings shall be installed around parkway planters (i.e. a raised planting area constru...
Looking for Cook County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Chicago city rules.
Tree Protection in Cook County →