Oak Park, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)

The Village of Oak Park requires property owners to maintain private trees so they do not create obstructions or hazards on public ways. Tree branches must be trimmed to maintain a minimum clearance of 8 feet above sidewalks and 14 feet above streets. Branches that obstruct traffic signs, streetlights, or utility lines must be trimmed promptly. Property owners are responsible for maintaining trees on their private property, including trees whose branches overhang onto public sidewalks or neighboring properties. The Village Forestry Division manages all parkway trees (trees in the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and curb). Residents may not trim, prune, or remove parkway trees without Village authorization. The Forestry Division conducts regular trimming of parkway trees on a cyclical basis. Residents can request parkway tree maintenance through the Village's service request system. Oak Park has a strong urban forestry program and values its mature tree canopy. Removal of private trees over a certain diameter may require a permit (see tree removal regulations). Dead or hazardous tree limbs should be reported to the Forestry Division for parkway trees or addressed promptly by the owner for private trees.