Evanston, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in Evanston, 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
- Replacement rate
- 125% to 175% of DBH removed
- Replacement caliper
- 1 to 2 inches
- Sourcing radius
- within 200 miles of Evanston
- Care period
- 3 years, applicant responsible
- Alternative
- mitigation fee in lieu
Summary
When a protected tree is removed under a City permit, Evanston requires replacement at a rate up to 175% of the removed tree's diameter, or a mitigation fee paid in lieu of some or all of the trees.
Any protected tree damaged or removed in the course of a regulated activity must be replaced by the applicant pursuant to this Section and as depicted in a tree replacement plan pursuant to Subsection 7-8-8-7(I) of this Section, regardless of whether the protected tree is located on the same lot on which the regulated activity takes place; except, that the City Manager or designee may, pursuant to Subsection G of this Section, consider a request to submit a mitigation fee in lieu of the replacement of trees, and except for the exemptions in Subsection B of this Section or as outlined in the City's Tree Canopy Preservation Policy. Any replacement tree shall have a caliper between one (1) and two (2) inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Replacement rates scale with the removed tree's diameter and species group: public trees replace at 125% to 175% of DBH, and private Group A or B trees at up to 150%, using the formula (DBH removed times coefficient) divided by caliper of replacement trees. Replacement stock must be one to two caliper inches, sourced within 200 miles of Evanston, and the applicant must care for new plantings for three years. When full replacement isn't feasible, the City Manager or designee may allow a mitigation fee in lieu of some or all replacement trees.
Violations & Fines
Failure to implement an approved tree replacement plan lets the City demand compliance within 14 days, then complete the planting itself and bill the owner three times its cost, plus fines under Section 7-8-8-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay a fee instead of planting replacement trees in Evanston?
How big must replacement trees be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
Compare Evanston to another location·View the Illinois landscaping rules overview
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Tree Removal & Heritage Trees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle tree removal & heritage trees.