Bolingbrook, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

Sec. 10-356 splits vegetation control in the right-of-way into two tracks. An electric utility must conduct all tree trimming and vegetation control activities in the right-of-way in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations, plus any franchise agreement with the village (Sec. 10-356(a)). Any other utility with facilities in the right-of-way, however, needs its own village permit before trimming, because that work is not considered a normal maintenance operation if it falls outside the state-law track (Sec. 10-356(b)). The application must show that the pruning will be done by competent, supervised workers experienced in accepted tree pruning practices, and every tree-trimming permit carries an expiration date meant to keep the work moving (Sec.

10-356(b)(1)). Poor pruning that leaves trees damaged or misshapen is grounds for the village to cancel the permit outright and assess damages; compensation for extensively damaged or unauthorized removed trees is calculated using the formula developed by the International Society of Arboriculture (Sec. 10-356(b)(2)). The village can also require higher poles, side-arm extensions or covered wire instead of cutting a specimen tree or tree of special significance (Sec. 10-356(c)). Chemical vegetation control is tightly limited: no utility may spray, inject or pour chemicals on or near trees, shrubs or vegetation for any purpose, including growth, insect or disease control, unless it demonstrates to the public works director that spraying is the only practicable method available (Sec. 10-356(d)).