Schaumburg, IL Landscaping Rules: Tree Trimming (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Village Code § 158.17(E)
- Permit issuer
- Director of Engineering and Public Works
- Advance notice required
- 7 days before proposed trimming
- Climbing tool ban
- No boot spikes except on dead trees
- Damage valuation method
- ISA formula per caliper inch
- Penalty
- $100 to $50,000 per day, § 158.30/§ 10.99
Summary
Schaumburg requires a permit from the Department of Engineering and Public Works before anyone trims, prunes or removes a tree standing in a public right-of-way, an easement on private property, or other village-owned land. Requests must go in writing at least seven days ahead, and poor pruning can cost the trimmer the permit and trigger damage compensation.
It shall be unlawful for anyone to trim, prune or remove any tree or portions thereof, if located within a public right-of-way, or private property within an easement, or on other village owned property, without first obtaining a permit for the proposed trimming from the department of engineering and public works. The request for tree trimming shall be submitted in writing to the director of engineering and public works a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the proposed trimming, indicating the purpose for trimming of trees, a general description of the tree/trees to be trimmed, the type of trimming to be performed, and the time and place where trimming is planned.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 56 Update 1 | Policy Manual: Supplement 20).
Full Breakdown
17(E) makes it unlawful for anyone, not just utility crews, to trim, prune or remove a tree or any portion of one if it stands within a public right-of-way, within an easement on private property, or on other village-owned property, without first securing a permit from the director of engineering and public works. The written request must reach the director at least seven days before the proposed work and must describe the purpose of the trimming, identify the tree or trees, describe the type of trimming planned, and state the time and place.
The director can attach reasonable restrictions to protect a tree's health or appearance, and can deny the permit outright if the stated purpose is inappropriate, the scope is excessive, the trimming would harm the tree's health or appearance, or the proposed work does not meet the department's trimming standards. The same section separately regulates electric and other utilities: electric utilities must follow state law and any village franchise agreement for right-of-way vegetation control, while other utilities need their own tree-trimming permit for any work that isn't already governed by state regulation.
Climbing spikes are barred except when removing a dead tree. Damage caused by poor pruning practices is not tolerated: the village can cancel the permit and assess compensation using the International Society of Arboriculture's valuation formula for damaged trees or unauthorized removals, and can require replacement of trees left in unacceptable condition after trimming.
Violations & Fines
Trimming or removing a right-of-way tree without a permit, or trimming outside the terms of an issued permit, is treated as an unauthorized removal under § 158.17(E)(3) and (2), exposing the responsible party to the village's compensation formula (the International Society of Arboriculture damage valuation) plus the penalty set in § 158.30, which applies the Village Code's general fine of $100 to $50,000 under § 10.99, charged per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to trim a parkway tree in front of my Schaumburg home?
How far ahead do I need to request a tree trimming permit?
What happens if a contractor damages a right-of-way tree while trimming?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Schaumburg
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