Oak Lawn regulates removal of trees in the public right-of-way (parkway trees) through its Public Works Department. Parkway trees may not be removed, topped, or heavily pruned by private parties without a Village permit.
Parkway trees - those in the public right-of-way between the sidewalk and street - are Village property in Oak Lawn and managed by the Public Works Department. Residents may not remove, top, or substantially prune parkway trees without Village permission. Public Works inspects reported hazards and handles removals of dead, diseased, or storm-damaged trees, typically followed by a replacement through the Village's parkway tree program. Emerald ash borer response is handled by the Village's forestry staff. Trees on private property are generally not regulated for removal unless they're part of a landmark designation, subdivision approval, or tree-preservation condition tied to a development permit. Contractors performing tree work must comply with Village licensing and insurance requirements.
Unauthorized removal or damage to parkway trees: fines $250-$1,000 plus replacement cost valued by the International Society of Arboriculture formula, which can exceed several thousand dollars for mature trees.
Oak Lawn, IL
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Oak Lawn, IL
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Oak Lawn, IL
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Oak Lawn, IL
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Oak Lawn, IL
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cook County.
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