McHenry County, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (2026)
Tree removal permit rules in McHenry County, 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 needed
- Yes, for protected trees
- Issued by
- Building Division
- Small-lot exemption
- Under 3 acres, pre-2002
- Replacement
- Per certified-arborist ratings
- Authority
- Crystal Lake UDO Sec. 4-300
Summary
Removing a protected tree in Crystal Lake requires a tree removal permit from the Building Division under the Unified Development Ordinance's Tree Preservation standards. Small single-family lots under three acres created before 2002, nurseries, and approved-plan sites are exempt.
It shall be unlawful for any person to cut down, destroy, remove or move, or effectively destroy through damaging, or authorize the cutting down, destroying, removing, moving or damaging of any tree, unless exempted under Section 4-300B of this article or without the appropriate permit.
Full Breakdown
Under Crystal Lake UDO Section 4-300 (Tree Preservation), it is unlawful to cut down, destroy, remove, move, or damage any tree without the appropriate permit unless an exemption applies. Permits are issued by the Building Division. Exempt properties include single-family residential-zoned parcels smaller than three acres created before 2002, commercial nurseries and orchards, and sites with an approved landscaping or tree-preservation plan. Removed protected trees generally must be replaced based on the tree's condition rating and species group per a certified arborist. On unincorporated county land, the McHenry County Unified Development Ordinance governs instead.
Violations & Fines
Removing or destroying a protected tree without a required permit violates UDO Section 4-300, subjecting the owner to municipal fines and mandatory tree-replacement obligations for each unlawfully removed tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need a permit to remove a tree in Crystal Lake?
What happens to a removed protected tree?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in McHenry County
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