Heritage & Protected Trees: Chicago vs Orland Park
How do heritage & protected trees rules compare between Chicago, IL and Orland Park, IL?
Chicago and Orland Park have similar restriction levels.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Chicago rules →Orland Park, IL
Cook County
Orland Park does not maintain a formal 'heritage tree' registry, but its tree preservation provisions protect mature and significant trees through diameter-based regulations and required preservation plans during development review.
View full Orland Park rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Orland Park |
|---|---|---|
| Heritage Ordinance | None - no formal designation | - |
| Parkway Trees | All protected under MCC 10-32 | - |
| Valuation | MCC 10-32-200 (larger trees = higher value) | - |
| Private Property | No heritage tree protections | - |
| City Inventory | Bureau of Forestry maintains tree records | - |
| Heritage Registry | - | None formal |
| Mature Tree Protection | - | Diameter-based |
| Development Survey | - | Required |
| Enhanced Replacement | - | For large/native trees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Does Chicago protect heritage or landmark trees?
Chicago does not have a formal heritage tree ordinance. All parkway trees are protected under MCC 10-32 regardless of age or size, with penalties based on appraised value (larger trees cost more to replace).
Can I remove a large old tree on my private property in Chicago?
Yes. Chicago does not restrict removal of trees on private residential property, even large or historic specimens. Only parkway trees are protected by city ordinance.
Orland Park FAQ
Does Orland Park designate heritage trees?
Not by formal program. Significant trees are protected through diameter-based tree preservation rules and development-review requirements.
How are mature trees protected during construction?
Development applications require tree surveys and preservation plans, with protective fencing required during construction within drip lines.
Can I get my mature oak protected?
Contact the village forester for evaluation. Mature native oaks generally trigger enhanced replacement requirements if removal is requested.
Compare other topics
See how Chicago and Orland Park 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