Bloomington, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Bloomington, IL, sometimes called heritage tree, protected tree, or street tree ordinances, list which trees require a permit before you can cut them down.
Key Facts
- Permit required from
- City Forester
- Trigger diameter
- Five inches diameter breast height or more
- Private-property order
- City Forester can order removal, § 19-104(B)
- Appeal window
- 10 days to City Manager
- Penalty
- $25 to $100 fine per § 19-113
Summary
In the City of Bloomington, no one may trim limbs five inches or more in diameter or remove a tree from a public place, such as a street parkway or park, without first getting a permit from the City Forester, who signs off only when the proposed work and method are found necessary and satisfactory.
Preserve or remove. ... No person shall trim any limbs on a tree five inches diameter breast height or greater or remove trees in public places without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the City Forester. ... The City Forester shall issue the permit provided for herein when he finds that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmanship are satisfactory.
Full Breakdown
Bloomington City Code § 19-105(A) requires anyone who wants to trim limbs of five inches or greater diameter breast height, or remove a tree, in a public place to first file an application and obtain a permit from the City Forester. The application must state the number and kind of trees to be trimmed or removed, the kind and condition of the nearest trees on adjoining property, and any other information the City Forester reasonably needs to decide the request. The City Forester issues the permit only after finding that the desired action or treatment is necessary and that the proposed method and workmanship are satisfactory.
Separately, § 19-104(B) lets the City Forester order the trimming, preservation, or removal of trees on private property when necessary for public safety or to stop disease or insects from spreading to public trees, and § 19-107 spells out how that order is served, gives the recipient 10 days to appeal to the City Manager, and lets the City perform the work and bill the responsible party if the order is ignored. Anyone who removes a City-owned tree, or a private tree under an order, must dispose of it as the City Forester directs and clean up the site.
Violating the permit or order requirements of Chapter 19's Article I is punishable under § 19-113 by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100.
Violations & Fines
Removing or heavily trimming a tree in a Bloomington public place without a City Forester permit, or ignoring a private-property removal order under § 19-107, is punishable under Bloomington City Code § 19-113 by a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $100 per offense, and the City can perform the work itself and bill the responsible party for an unheeded order.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree from a Bloomington public place?
Can the City make me remove a tree on my own property?
What if I ignore the City Forester's removal order?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bloomington
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