Tree Protection in Cook County, IL (2026)

7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 7 cities in Cook County, Illinois.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Cook County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

Tree Removal Permits

Cook County Chapter 126 requires permits for removing deciduous trees over 6 inches in diameter and evergreens over 10 feet tall on unimproved/partially improved land. Tree Removal Application submitted to Building and Zoning.

Cook County Tree Removal Permits

Heavy Restrictions

Cook County Department of Building and Zoning - Tree Removal Application (Rev. 09/11/2020)

No tree as described below shall be removed from unimproved, partially improved or improved land without written approval from the Commissioner of the Department of Building and Zoning: A deciduous tree having a trunk size of six inches or greater in diameter, as measured six inches above the established grade; An evergreen tree measuring ten vertical feet or more in height. REQUIRED for submis...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Heritage & Protected Trees

Cook County Chapter 126 protects significant trees on unimproved and partially improved land. Deciduous trees over 6 inches in diameter and evergreens over 10 feet tall are protected. Heavy fines apply for unauthorized removal.

Cook County Heritage & Protected Trees

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Replacement Requirements

Cook County Chapter 126 may require tree replacement when trees are removed under permit. The ordinance promotes environmental conservation through replacement plantings. Specific replacement ratios are determined during the permit review.

Cook County Tree Replacement Requirements

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Ordinances

Cook County Chapter 126 (Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening) governs tree protection during development. Developers must submit tree surveys. Construction root zone protections apply. The ordinance covers landscaping and screening requirements.

Cook County Tree Ordinances

Some Restrictions

Cook County Ordinances and Codes — Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening Ordinance

Cook County Zoning Ordinance — Ord. No. 01-O-30, as adopted by the County Board on November 6, 2001. [...] The Cook County Zoning Ordinance was most recently amended in 2003. Included sections are: Cook County Zoning Ordinance of 2003; Floodplain Ordinance for Cook County; Cook County Subdivision Manual; Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening; Wireless; Governing the Processing of Planned...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Protected Tree Species

Cook County Tree Preservation Ordinance 19-3158, codified in Chapter 102 zoning, requires removal permits for protected and heritage trees on unincorporated lots. Native oaks, hickories, and trees over 20-inch DBH are protected; replacement and mitigation are mandatory for permitted removals.

Cook Tree Preservation Ordinance 19-3158 Lists Protected Species

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Parkway Planting

Cook County Highway Department requires permits for parkway tree planting along county-maintained roads. Suburbs separately license parkway plantings on municipal roads. Selection must follow approved species lists to avoid utility, sight-line, and pavement-conflict problems.

Highway Department permits for parkway tree planting

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Urban Forest Equity

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.