Oak Lawn, IL Invasive Plant Rules: Prohibited Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Citation
- Village Code § 9-2-1
- Core banned trees
- Box elder, hawthorn, silver maple, willow
- 2008 additions
- Ash, mulberry, Bradford pear
- Penalty
- $100–$750 fine per offense
- Scope
- Village-wide, private and public property
Summary
Oak Lawn bans planting box elder, tree of heaven, hawthorn, silver maple, poplar, willow, and non-disease-resistant elm anywhere in the village, with ash, mulberry, and Bradford pear added to the banned list in 2008.
A. No person shall plant or cause to be planted in the village any of the following trees: 1. Box elder (Acer negundo); 2. Tree of heaven (Ailanthus); 3. Any species of hawthorn containing thorns; 4. Soft (silver) maple (Acer saccharinum); 5. Any variety of poplar (Populus); 6. Any variety of willow (Salix); or 7. Elm (not disease resistant).
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-15: Code current through: Ord. 26-09-22, passed April 28, 2026).
Full Breakdown
Village Code § 9-2-1 prohibits planting seven tree species anywhere within Oak Lawn: box elder, tree of heaven (Ailanthus), any hawthorn with thorns, soft (silver) maple, poplar, willow, and elm varieties that are not disease-resistant. Effective March 1, 2008, the Village added three more species to the ban: ash (except Mountain ash), mulberry, and 'Bradford' pear specifically. The rule targets weak-wooded, invasive, and disease-prone trees that cause maintenance and safety problems along streets and parkways, and it applies village-wide, covering private yards as well as public parkways.
Violations & Fines
Planting a banned species is enforced under the Village's general penalty, Code § 1-4-1: a fine of $100 to $750 per offense, with each day of a continuing violation treated as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I plant a silver maple in my Oak Lawn yard?
Is ash still allowed in Oak Lawn?
What happens if I plant a banned tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Oak Lawn
Compare Oak Lawn to another location·View the Illinois invasive plant rules overview
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Prohibited Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle prohibited species.