Oak Park, IL Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)

Section 25-1-7(A) lists the triggers requiring parkway tree protection during construction: excavation on the parkway, powered wheeled or tracked equipment crossing the parkway off a driveway, construction materials or spoils stored on the parkway, a refuse dumpster within 10 feet of a parkway tree, or a Village inspector's determination that the work could affect a tree's health or safety. Section 25-1-7(B) requires the applicant to apply for and receive a permit before any such activity begins, submitting a sketch showing all protected parkway trees, their trunk diameter at breast height, and the location and dimensions of the planned excavation relative to each tree.

Once a permit issues, Section 25-1-7(C) through (F) require fencing erected and maintained around the root protection zone, the area between sidewalk and curb for the width of the parkway, using steel or wood posts set 1 inch by 2 inches, spaced at most 8 feet on center, driven at least 2 feet into the ground with 4 feet standing, wrapped with snow fence, chain link, or similar highly visible material, all built to the Village's Mandatory Tree Protection Specifications. Section 25-1-7(G) requires the Forester's approval, and possibly root pruning under the same specifications, for any excavation inside the root protection zone.

Where equipment must cross the parkway outside that zone, Section 25-1-7(H) requires a maintained 6-inch layer of wood mulch or chips, or 1-inch plywood sheets, to protect the ground. Section 25-1-7(J) bars cleaning equipment or storing hazardous materials such as paint, oil, solvents, or concrete within the root protection zone, and Section 25-1-7(K) bars fastening wires, signs, or attachments to a parkway tree.