Title
Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program
History
Currently, the Village Code indicates that it is the responsibility of residents to prune their parkway trees 8 feet above street or sidewalk. Due to lack of knowledge of cutting trees (the Village provides some guidance on website), lack of attention by homeowners (resulting in many Code Enforcement complaints), and the lack of belief on the part of residents that they should be responsible for trees on parkway since the Village planted them and own them, staff previously proposed a cyclical tree pruning program. This last fact can be especially frustrating to residents because the parkway zone includes sidewalks, parkways easements for utilities, trees, driveway aprons, sprinklers, grass, mailboxes and curbs and is a mixed bag of responsibilities of maintenance, ownership, and digging rights.
The previously proposed program, which was initially budgeted at $400,000, was to include a comprehensive urban forestry plan that would include contractors being hired to maintain the Village’s parkway trees through a rotation of zones. This staff-initiated program was rejected, instead, staff was directed to provide guidelines to residents, and those residents not meeting the guidelines were to be warned and ultimately ticketed. With a limited Code Enforcement staff, it is difficult to monitor residential tree pruning infractions and divert resources.
Proposed Program
The proposed 2025 Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program would involve a regular schedule of tree maintenance to enhance health, safety, and aesthetics. This will include removing dead, diseased, or high-risk branches, as well as branches that interfere with traffic or utility lines. The program would also involve pruning young trees to promote strong structure and growth.
Key aspects of the Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program will include:
Pruning Frequency:
A seven (7) year cycle would be implemented, with exceptions for unique circumstances.
Pruning Techniques:
Proper pruning techniques would be incorporated to avoid damaging the tree. This will include making cuts at the branch collar, avoiding excessive pruning, and removing only the necessary branches.
Public Safety:
The pruning program will prioritize removing branches that pose a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles.
Tree Health:
Regular pruning will help prevent the spread of disease and insect infestations and promote overall tree health.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Pruning will help maintain the shape and symmetry of trees, enhancing their visual appeal.
Professional Expertise:
Professional arborists and tree care specialists will be involved in implementing the pruning programs, especially for large trees or complex situations.
Would not include private property:
The Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program would not impact trees on private property. Private property trees would continue to be the responsibility of property owners and in accordance with Village Code.
Utility Pruning:
ComEd performs routine, cyclical tree pruning on four-year cycles around power lines that run from pole-to-pole and may prune between cycles if there are other problems that may result in interruptions to electric service.
Financial Impact
Budgeted funds from the elimination of the permanent jumbotron project at Centennial Park West will be used for the first, and most expensive year of the project. Subsequent year funding will be budgeted in the operating budget.
Recommended Action/Motion
I move to recommend Village Staff develop a comprehensive Annual Parkway Tree Pruning Program, with first year funding to come from the elimination of the permanent jumbotron project at Centennial Park West;
AND
To proceed with issuing an Invitation to Bid for Tree Pruning Services with a recommendation to be presented at a future Committee of the Whole meeting.