Not sure who should care for the tree between your sidewalk and the street? You are not alone. Parkway trees add shade, beauty, and value to Elmhurst blocks, but the rules can feel confusing. In this guide, you will learn who typically handles what, when to contact the City, and simple steps you can take to keep your street tree healthy. Let’s dive in.
Parkway trees: who does what in Elmhurst
Parkway trees usually sit in the public right of way between the curb and sidewalk. In many Illinois communities, including Elmhurst, the City’s Public Works or Forestry division typically oversees major maintenance for public safety. Your role as a homeowner is usually to support day‑to‑day care and report issues.
City responsibilities
- Pruning for safety and clearance over streets, alleys, and sidewalks.
- Removing dead, diseased, or hazardous parkway trees and responding to storm hazards.
- Managing pests and disease programs on city‑owned trees when such programs are active.
- Coordinating planting or replacements in line with the City’s urban forestry planning.
Homeowner responsibilities
- Watering young trees, applying proper mulch, and protecting trunks from yard equipment.
- Reporting hazards, storm damage, or signs of pests and disease.
- Avoiding unauthorized pruning or removal. Most work on parkway trees requires City authorization.
When to contact the City
You should submit a service request or call when you see problems that affect public safety or tree health. Different issues fall into different priority levels.
Emergencies: call immediately
- Large leaning trees, split trunks, or hanging limbs that could fall.
- Downed trees or limbs blocking streets or sidewalks.
- Any immediate hazard to people, property, or traffic.
Priority but not immediate
- Dead or dying parkway trees.
- Large low limbs affecting sightlines or traffic that are not actively falling.
- Roots that appear to be heaving pavement or creating trip hazards.
Routine service
- Requests for pruning to improve sidewalk or curb clearance.
- Stump removal requests.
- Requests for new parkway tree planting.
Storm damage and pests
- Report fallen limbs after severe weather.
- Share concerns about pests or disease, especially on ash or oak trees.
What to include in a service request
Providing clear details helps the City triage and respond faster. Include:
- Exact address and nearest cross street.
- Photos: full‑tree view, close‑ups of the issue, and a wide shot for context.
- A short description: dead, cracked limb, leaning, roots lifting sidewalk, insect signs.
- Urgency level and whether the street or sidewalk is blocked.
- Tree species and planting year if you know them.
- Your contact information and best window for an onsite look.
What to expect after filing
Emergency situations typically get immediate attention. Routine requests are usually scheduled and may be grouped by season or neighborhood. You may see tags on trees marked for pruning or removal. Keep your photos and any City correspondence handy in case follow‑up is needed.
How to care for your parkway tree
Simple, consistent care can make a big difference, especially for younger trees. Your two most powerful tools are watering and mulching.
Watering basics for young trees
Newly planted trees need steady moisture during the first 2 to 3 growing seasons. A helpful rule of thumb is 10 to 15 gallons per week during dry spells for small, newly planted trees. Water slowly at the root zone so the soil absorbs it. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce during cool, wet weather.
- Check soil 4 to 6 inches down. If it feels dry, water.
- Use a slow‑flow hose, watering bag, or a bucket with small holes to soak the area.
- Continue periodic watering during fall dry spells until the ground freezes.
Mulching that helps, not hurts
Apply 2 to 4 inches of organic mulch in a wide, flat ring to hold moisture and reduce weeds. Keep mulch 2 to 3 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage. Avoid volcano mulching and do not bury the trunk flare. Refresh mulch as it decomposes and maintain a neat edge so mowers and trimmers stay clear.
Pruning and protection
Do not prune or remove a parkway tree without City authorization. For minor issues on young trees, the City generally handles formative pruning to encourage a strong central leader and proper structure. Protect trunks by maintaining your mulch ring and using care with lawn equipment. Small plastic guards can help, but make sure they are not tight against the bark.
Sidewalks, roots, and safety
Tree roots and sidewalks can compete for space. Root pruning near a street tree can weaken or destabilize it, so do not cut roots on your own. If you see pavement lifting or a tripping hazard, submit a service request so the City can evaluate the tree and discuss repair options.
Pests and seasonal issues to watch
Elmhurst’s canopy faces the same regional pressures as much of Illinois. Early reporting helps manage risks and protect healthy trees nearby.
Emerald ash borer on ash trees
If your block has ash trees, watch for D‑shaped exit holes in bark, thinning canopy, and sprouting along the trunk. Report suspected emerald ash borer so the City can assess next steps, which may include removal or, for private ash trees, treatment by a professional.
Oak wilt on oak trees
Red oaks can decline rapidly when infected. Signs include wilting, leaf discoloration, and sudden drop during the growing season. Do not prune oaks during high‑risk periods for disease spread. Report concerns promptly so qualified professionals can evaluate.
Winter salt and storm stress
Salt spray and treated roads can dry out or burn foliage and roots. Mulch helps moderate soil moisture. After heavy snow or ice, do not try to pull off ice‑loaded branches. If limbs split or break, report hazards for safe removal.
Permits, planting, and safety
Many municipalities require permits or authorization before planting, pruning, or removing trees in the right of way. Always check with the City of Elmhurst before you or a contractor do any work on a parkway tree. Unauthorized work can lead to fines or required restoration.
Call before you dig
If you are planning a new planting, utility work, or any digging, call 811 to have underground utilities marked. It is a safety requirement and protects you, your neighbors, and first responders.
Hiring professionals for private trees
For work on trees on your property, consider ISA‑certified arborists. Ask for credentials, insurance, and written estimates. Coordinating private tree treatments or removals near the right of way should include a quick check with the City so work stays compliant and safe.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm City rules before any parkway tree work.
- Call 811 before digging or planting.
- Water new trees deeply: about 10 to 15 gallons per week during dry spells for the first 2 to 3 seasons.
- Mulch 2 to 4 inches in a wide, flat ring and keep mulch off the trunk.
- Never prune or remove parkway trees without City authorization.
- Report hazards, storm damage, or pests with photos, address, and a short description.
- Protect trunks from mower and trimmer damage.
Final thoughts
Healthy parkway trees benefit your block with shade, cleaner air, and curb appeal. When you understand the City’s role and your part in routine care, you help Elmhurst’s urban canopy thrive for the long term. If you are planning a move within Elmhurst or nearby and want neighborhood‑level guidance that considers tree‑lined streets, walkability, and long‑term curb appeal, connect with the Anne Monckton Group to plan your next step.
FAQs
Who maintains parkway trees in Elmhurst?
- The City typically handles major maintenance like safety pruning and hazardous removals, while homeowners support with watering, mulching, and reporting issues.
How should I water a newly planted parkway tree in Elmhurst?
- Provide about 10 to 15 gallons per week during dry periods for the first 2 to 3 growing seasons, applied slowly at the root zone so soil absorbs it.
What should I do after storm damage to a parkway tree?
- Report fallen or hanging limbs and blocked streets or sidewalks immediately as an emergency; share photos, the address, and a short description.
Do I need a permit to plant or remove a parkway tree in Elmhurst?
- Most right‑of‑way work requires City authorization; check with Public Works or Forestry before planting, pruning, or removing any parkway tree.
How do I report emerald ash borer or oak wilt on a parkway tree?
- Submit a service request to the City with photos and the exact location; describe signs like D‑shaped exit holes on ash or sudden wilting on oaks so it can be evaluated.
