Mount Prospect Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

Contact Mount Prospect's Department of Public Works for Tree Permits & Municipal Oversight

Tree removal in Mount Prospect is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest and ensure public safety. The Village’s tree protection ordinance requires a permit for the removal of any public tree or private tree exceeding 6 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH), with stricter thresholds for heritage or landmark trees. Applications must be submitted to the Department of Public Works, which reviews requests, conducts site inspections, and issues written determinations. Emergency removals due to hazardous conditions are expedited, but documentation is still required. Public notification and, for significant removals, public hearings may be mandated. The Department also coordinates with forestry programs, manages storm response, and oversees compliance with replacement and bond requirements. For detailed guidance, contact:

Mount Prospect Public Works Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 870-5640
Official Website: Mount Prospect Public Works Department

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Mount Prospect

Mount Prospect mandates that tree health assessments and risk evaluations be performed by ISA Certified Arborists, ensuring professional standards and accurate diagnoses. Arborists use formal risk rating systems (low to extreme) and must document findings, including structural integrity (decay, cavities, cracks), disease presence (oak wilt, Dutch elm disease), and pest infestations (emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle). Required credentials include ISA Certified Arborist, Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), and, where applicable, Illinois arborist licensing and commercial pesticide applicator licenses. Large removals may require certified crane operators. Before removal, alternatives such as structural pruning, cabling, soil improvement, and integrated pest management are considered. Liability insurance and professional documentation are essential for all assessments and operations.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Tree Removal & Water Quality Protection

Tree removal activities in Mount Prospect must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations to protect water quality and sensitive habitats. Coordination with watershed protection programs is required to prevent debris and sediment from entering streams, rivers, and wetlands. Erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and immediate site stabilization, are mandatory, especially on slopes or near water bodies. Nesting bird surveys (March–August) and bat habitat assessments are required for large or cavity trees, in consultation with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Compliance with the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and Clean Water Act is essential. Stormwater management must align with Mount Prospect’s MS4 permit and EPA NPDES requirements, and invasive species (e.g., buckthorn, emerald ash borer-infested wood) must be disposed of per state quarantine protocols.

Municipal Tree Protection Ordinances & Public Tree Management in Mount Prospect

Mount Prospect’s tree protection ordinances establish clear permit thresholds: removal of public trees or private trees over 6 inches DBH, and all heritage or landmark trees, requires a permit. Applications must include site plans, species identification, and justification for removal. The review process involves coordination with the Building and Planning Departments for projects affecting structures or site layouts. Enforcement includes violation reporting, citations, stop-work orders, and correction timelines. Professional liability standards require contractors to carry at least $1 million in general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. The Village maintains a public tree inventory, conducts systematic inspections, and implements proactive hazard identification and community planting programs. For planning and zoning coordination, contact:

Mount Prospect Community Development Department
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 818-5328
Official Website: Mount Prospect Community Development Department

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Mount Prospect

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations. The Mount Prospect Building Department oversees permits for removals affecting structures and ensures compliance with building codes. OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266, 1926 Subpart R) require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), certified rigging and climbing practices, aerial lift safety, and fall protection systems. Utility coordination is critical: advance notification to electric, gas, and telecommunications providers is required, and JULIE (811) must be contacted at least 48 hours before root zone excavation. Clearance protocols for overhead lines and qualified line clearance arborists are mandatory. Public safety measures include street closure permits, barricades, signage, and coordination with the Mount Prospect Police Department. Contractors must maintain $1 million minimum liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. For building permit information, contact:

Mount Prospect Building Department
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 818-5289
Official Website: Mount Prospect Building Permit Application and Inspections

Proper Tree Debris Disposal Through Mount Prospect's Municipal Programs & Illinois Waste Requirements

Mount Prospect supports Illinois’s organic waste diversion goals by prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting municipal composting and wood waste programs. Residents and contractors must use approved composting facilities or transfer sites, adhering to permit requirements, fee structures, and material specifications (logs, brush, stumps). Seasonal brush pickup is available, with size and weight limitations, and special collections are organized after storms. Wood waste diversion options include municipal chipping programs, sawmill partnerships for valuable species, firewood distribution, and biomass energy generation. Storm debris management follows FEMA guidelines, requiring separation of vegetative and construction debris and coordination with regional mutual aid programs. For debris disposal guidance, contact:

Mount Prospect Public Works Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 870-5640
Official Website: Mount Prospect Public Works Department

Protecting Mount Prospect's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Tree replacement is a cornerstone of Mount Prospect’s urban forest management. Replacement species must be native or climate-adapted, with a minimum 2–3 inch caliper, and planted according to location and spacing standards. Establishment care protocols and survival guarantees are enforced, and in-lieu fees may apply if on-site planting is not feasible. The Village aims for 30–40% canopy coverage and promotes species diversity (no more than 10% of a single species). Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer planting events, Arbor Day celebrations, educational workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Preservation alternatives include health maintenance, structural support for heritage trees, integrated pest management, and root zone protection during construction. Long-term planning addresses succession, climate adaptation, and integration with green infrastructure and walkability goals.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Mount Prospect, IL?

Mount Prospect’s neighborhoods each present unique tree removal challenges:

• Downtown Mount Prospect: Features mature oaks and maples, historic district review requirements, narrow streets limiting equipment access, and high pedestrian traffic necessitating robust safety measures.
• Lions Park Area: Predominantly residential with aging elms and ash, high emerald ash borer pressure, HOA approval processes, and proximity to waterways requiring erosion control.
• Busse Woods Vicinity: Adjacent to protected wetlands, frequent storm damage, invasive buckthorn concentrations, and MS4 stormwater compliance needs.
• Randhurst Village: Commercial district with ornamental species, complex utility infrastructure, strict traffic control, and business coordination for minimal disruption.
• Prospect Heights Border: Mix of private and public trees, conservation easements, flood-prone areas, and access limitations due to large lots and limited street parking.
• South Mount Prospect: Newer developments with young tree populations, HOA landscaping standards, and crane operation requirements for multi-story buildings.
• Central Road Corridor: High-traffic arterial, mature street trees, overhead utility conflicts, and parking restrictions impacting equipment staging.

Each area requires tailored permit procedures, regulatory compliance, infrastructure coordination, and environmental protection strategies.

Mount Prospect Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Mount Prospect regulates tree removal equipment operation to minimize community disruption and environmental impact. Permitted operating hours are typically 7:00 AM–8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM–6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions enforced per municipal code. Contractors must obtain a business license, register with the municipality, and provide proof of insurance (minimum $1 million liability, workers’ compensation, property damage). Bonding is required for municipal contract work, and arborist certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, work zone setup, and public notification. Environmental compliance mandates proper material handling, vehicle maintenance, immediate cleanup, and documentation of waste disposal. All operations must align with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and local environmental ordinances, including stormwater and erosion control measures. For planning and zoning standards, contact:

Mount Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission
50 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
Phone: (847) 818-5328
Official Website: Mount Prospect Planning and Zoning Commission