Heritage & Protected Trees: Bolingbrook vs Joliet
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Bolingbrook, IL and Joliet, IL?
Joliet has fewer restrictions than Bolingbrook.
Bolingbrook, IL
Will County
Will County has no formal heritage-tree ordinance countywide. Frankfort and Plainfield protect 'legacy' or 'significant' trees 24 in+ DBH, especially native bur oaks and white oaks tied to the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie and historic Hickory Creek savanna ecosystems.
View full Bolingbrook rules →Joliet, IL
Will County
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.
View full Joliet rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bolingbrook | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| County | No countywide ordinance | - |
| Frankfort Threshold | 24 in+ DBH | - |
| Plainfield Legacy | 30 in+ DBH | - |
| Midewin | Federally protected | - |
| State Authority | 525 ILCS 30 | - |
| 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 |
| Private Property | - | No comprehensive heritage tree ordinance for private land |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bolingbrook FAQ
Is the 200-year oak on my Frankfort property protected?
If it measures 24 in DBH or more, yes. Frankfort §155.132 requires Village Board approval for removal, with 3:1 replacement if approved. Voluntary registration on the Heritage Tree Registry brings additional protections and property-tax considerations.
What about trees near Midewin or a Forest Preserve?
Trees on federal Midewin lands or Forest Preserve District parcels are fully protected. Private trees within view or buffer zones are not automatically protected, but development near preserves may trigger enhanced review under the Will County LUO Natural Resources Article.
Joliet FAQ
Does Joliet have heritage tree protections?
Yes. The Forestry Division oversees heritage tree designations for significant trees on public property. Parkway trees are also protected as city property.
Can I trim a heritage or parkway tree in Joliet?
No. Only a certified arborist, or workers under arborist supervision, may work on parkway trees. Contact the Forestry Division to request tree maintenance.
Do heritage tree protections apply to trees on my private property in Joliet?
Joliet does not currently impose a comprehensive heritage tree ordinance for private property. Trees on private land associated with development projects may be evaluated during site plan review.
Compare other topics
See how Bolingbrook and Joliet compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool