Cook County Chapter 126 (Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening Ordinance) governs tree maintenance in unincorporated areas. Property owners must maintain trees that overhang public areas. Tree trimming near power lines requires utility coordination.
Cook County's Tree Preservation, Landscaping and Screening Ordinance (Chapter 126) governs tree maintenance in unincorporated areas. Property owners are responsible for trimming trees that overhang public sidewalks, streets, or neighboring properties to maintain safe clearance. Trees near power lines require coordination with utility companies (ComEd serves most of Cook County). The Cook County Forest Preserve District manages trees within its 70,000+ acres of preserves. The Department of Building and Zoning may require tree trimming as part of property maintenance enforcement. Significant pruning of protected trees may require advance approval under Chapter 126. Illinois law (765 ILCS 1025) provides guidance on neighbor tree disputes.
Failure to maintain trees: property maintenance citation, $100–$1,000 fine. Damaging protected trees: enhanced penalties under Ch. 126.
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See how Cook County's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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