Peoria, IL Tree Protection: Tree Replacement Requirements (2026)

Tree-replacement (or 'tree mitigation') ordinances typically require property owners to plant new trees when removing existing ones — often at a ratio such as 1:1 or 2:1 by diameter inches. Peoria's Code of Ordinances at https://library.municode.com/il/peoria does not impose this requirement for trees on private residential property. The two scenarios where replacement applies are: (1) parkway tree removal — when a city-owned parkway tree is removed (whether at the City Forester's initiative or following a property-owner request approved by the Forester), the city's Public Works Department typically schedules a replacement tree as part of the urban-forestry replanting program; species selection considers spacing from utility lines, sight lines, and species diversity to limit emerald ash borer-style monoculture losses; and (2) commercial or planned-development sites with approved landscape plans — if a property owner removes trees that were part of a Community Development-approved landscape plan, Community Development can require like-for-like replacement under the original PUD conditions or zoning approval. Tree replacement on private residential lots is encouraged by the Peoria Park District and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Trees for Tomorrow grant program but is not legally required.