Urban Forest Equity: Chicago vs Skokie
How do urban forest equity rules compare between Chicago, IL and Skokie, IL?
Chicago has fewer restrictions than Skokie.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
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.
View full Chicago rules →Skokie, IL
Cook County
Cook County adopted a Tree Master Plan in 2024 directing canopy investment to south and west suburbs where coverage falls below 15 percent. The plan funds municipal partnerships, native-species plantings, and equity-weighted grants under the Department of Environment and Sustainability.
View full Skokie rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Skokie |
|---|---|---|
| Plan name | Our Roots Chicago | - |
| Goal | 75,000 trees by 2027 | - |
| Budget | $46 million committed | - |
| Priority canopy | Below 10 percent neighborhoods | - |
| Mapping tool | Tree Equity Score | - |
| Plan year | - | 2024 adoption |
| Equity threshold | - | Below 15 percent canopy |
| Partner | - | Chicago Region Trees Initiative |
| Priority area | - | South suburban Cook |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I get a free yard tree from Our Roots Chicago?
Yes for residents in priority neighborhoods. Sign up through chicago.gov/ourroots or partner Openlands TreeKeepers. Yard-tree giveaways happen seasonally; parkway-tree requests go through 311 year-round.
How does Chicago decide which blocks get trees first?
By combining Tree Equity Score canopy data with CDPH heat-vulnerability index. Census tracts with low canopy plus high heat exposure plus environmental-justice indicators get planting crews before higher-canopy north-side blocks.
Skokie FAQ
Can my suburb apply for Cook County tree funds?
Yes. Municipalities and nonprofits in priority equity tracts can apply through the Department of Environment and Sustainability. Applications score canopy gap, heat exposure, and demographic equity factors.
Does the plan require me to plant trees?
No. Residents are encouraged but not required to plant. Funded plantings on private property require owner consent and a maintenance commitment from the partnering municipality or nonprofit.
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