Evanston, IL Tree Protection: Protected Tree Species (2026)
Key Facts
- Species groups
- A (highest) to D (lowest)
- Public tree threshold
- 2 inches DBH
- Private tree threshold
- 6 inches DBH, all groups
- Multi-stem >20 ft
- Trunk diameters aggregated
- Penalty
- $100–$1,500 per violation
Summary
Evanston protects trees once they hit a minimum trunk diameter tied to their species-quality group: any public tree at 2 inches DBH, and any private Group A through D tree at 6 inches DBH, becomes a "Protected Tree" triggering permit and replacement rules.
Protected Trees are those trees in groups A, B, C, and D (as defined in the City's Tree Canopy Preservation Policy) with a minimum DBH as listed below: All public trees — 2 inches; Group A — 6 inches; Group B — 6 inches; Group C — 6 inches; Group D — 6 inches.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 21).
Full Breakdown
Section 7-8-8-4 sorts tree species into four groups, A (highest ecosystem value) through D (lowest), under the City's Tree Canopy Preservation Policy, then designates as "Protected Trees" every public tree of 2 or more inches DBH and every private Group A-D tree of 6 or more inches DBH. For a multi-stemmed tree under 20 feet tall, DBH is measured on its largest trunk; taller multi-stemmed trees have all trunk diameters added together.
Violations & Fines
Damaging or removing a Protected Tree outside a valid tree preservation permit draws a fine of $100 to $1,500 per violation, with each day of continued violation a separate offense, under Section 7-8-8-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a tree "protected" under Evanston's ordinance?
Are all tree species protected equally in Evanston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Evanston
Compare Evanston to another location·View the Illinois tree protection overview
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Protected Tree Species in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Cook County handle protected tree species.