Chicago’s urban tree canopy is a crucial asset for our city. Trees not only provide environmental and aesthetic benefits, but also provide more than $12 million in economic benefit through pollution absorption, carbon sequestration, and avoided water runoff. They also help reduce heating costs in the winter and air conditioning costs in the summer. Unfortunately, Chicago’s canopy shrunk by 3% between 2010 and 2020. Alderman Waguespack has been a consistent supporter of expanding tree operations in the city, including spearheading the creation of the Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB) in 2020. 

 

You can read more about Chicago’s tree operations in the 2023 Chicago Urban Forest Management Plan. 

 

Tree Trimming

 

Since Spring 2023, rather than trimming trees by request, the City has been trimming Chicago’s parkway trees on a grid system, in which they go block by block to systematically perform routine maintenance and trimming. We receive periodic updates from the Bureau of Forestry on their progress as they make their way through the ward. We anticipate each grid to take about one year to complete. Switching to a more efficient, area-based trimming system was recommended in a 2019 Inspector General Report and since its implementation, has resulted in the trimming of nearly three times the number of trees annually. Please find a map below of the current grid section in which they are operating as well as completed and planned future grids.

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Tree Removals

 

If you believe a parkway tree is dead or diseased, you can request its removal through Chicago’s 311 system. The Bureau of Forestry will not remove parkway trees that it has determined are not dead or diseased.

 

Tree Planting

 

Alderman Waguespack supports planting parkway trees across the ward and encourages constituents to request tree planting through Chicago’s 311 system or by contacting our office. He also continues to advocate for increasing funding to the Bureau of Forestry’s tree planting program. Since the increase in funding to the Bureau of Forestry in the last couple of years, we’ve planted hundreds of trees in the 32nd ward on an annual basis and look forward to continuing that positive trend in the years to come.

 

Once parkway trees are planted, it is the responsibility of the property owner to properly maintain them. Mature parkway trees (older than 20 years) do not require much care, but younger trees should be watered regularly and mulched at the beginning of spring. 

 

Bureau of Forestry Guide to Care of Parkway Trees​

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Tree Emergencies

 

The Bureau of Forestry responds to tree emergencies, generally within 24 hours, made through the 311 system. Tree issues are considered “emergencies” when tree limbs are actively broken off, tree trunks are broken or fallen, or if any part of the tree is obstructing the public way. This request should not be used for routine tree maintenance like trimming.

 

Quick Links

Bureau of Forestry

Chicago Urban Forestry Advisory Board (UFAB)

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