Per the Village’s Municipal Code (3-6), residents of the Village of Orland Park are responsible for maintenance of trees in the right-of-way. This includes pruning the branches so that they do not obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight (8) feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. As such, the Village has established the following tree resources to educate property owners in proper tree maintenance, as well as aid residents in finding affordable and quality tree maintenance options.

Village Code on Tree Management

Pre-Qualified Tree Companies

More information about proper pruning can be found at the Morton Arboretum's website.

Heritage Tree

A heritage tree is defined as any healthy tree that is twenty four (24) inches in diameter, or greater, measured four (4) feet from the ground, from any lot, developed or undeveloped. 

Memorial Tree/Bench Request

A memorial tree and/or bench may be purchased to honor a loved one and placed in a Village park. A bronze plaque will be engraved with the special message you provide. Please submit a "Memorial Tree/Bench Request" application with payment (check) directly to the Public Works Department located at 15655 S. Ravinia Ave. A representative from Public Works will be in touch regarding the next steps. Public Works staff will assist you in determining an appropriate location for the placement of the memorial tree/bench.

Please note: should a memorial tree show decline or decay over time the tree will be removed and replaced during the next growing season at the Village's discretion.

Mulching is one of the most important things you can do for your trees. A layer of mulch is necessary and has many benefits for newly planted tree. Mulch will conserve soil moisture, reduce competition from other plants, decrease soil compaction and help prevent erosion. Also, soil temperatures will be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, which will help to protect tree roots; tree roots begin to die at temperatures greater than 90 and less than 20 degrees. Mulch also helps the trees to withstand insects, disease attack and drought. Mid- to late spring and fall are the best times to put down mulch. Here are some additional mulching tips:

• Spread mulch under trees, shrubs, and throughout planting beds to a recommended depth of 3 to 4 inches for medium to coarse textured materials.
• Pull mulch away from the bases of tree and shrub trunks creating a donut-hole.  Do not pile it up against the trunk ("volcano mulching"). Excessive mulch on the trunk causes moisture to build up, creating ideal conditions for insect pests, diseases, and decay.
• Ideally, the mulched area around a tree should extend to the drip line of the branches, or at least cover a 4 to 5 foot diameter area around the trunk. The larger the mulched area, the more beneficial.
• Check the mulch depth annually and replenish as necessary.

For more information, please see the Morton Arboretum's website.

Parkway Tree

Parkway trees reside within the Village right-of-way. These trees are typically located between the sidewalk and roadway. The responsibility of parkway trees is shared between the adjacent property owner and the Village. If you have a concern regarding a parkway tree please contact the Public Works Department at publicworks@orlandpark.org or (708) 403-6350.

Approved parkway trees 

More information regarding parkway trees can be obtained from the Land Development Code.

More information regarding parkway trees ordinances can be obtained from the Village Code.

Parkway Tree Pruning Program

Between 2025 – 2030, the Village plans to systematically prune approximately 28,500 parkway trees via the Parkway Tree Pruning Program. A parkway tree pruning program is a planned, recurring process of removing branches from trees to maintain their health, structure, and safety, as well as to manage tree size and appearance. The goal of a pruning program is to improve tree structure, enhance tree vigor, increase aesthetic appeal, provide adequate clearances, and maintain safe conditions in the right-of-way, while reducing costs associated with storm damage and tree failure.

What to Expect:

• Certified arborists and tree crews from the Village’s tree service contractor Smitty’s Tree Service will prune trees located within the public right-of-way.
• Work will typically occur between 7:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
• Temporary “No Parking” signs may be posted in advance to allow crews to access tree areas safely.
• Tree pruning will follow ISA/ANSI A300 Standards and local regulations to promote tree health and reduce future maintenance needs.

How You Can Help:

• Please avoid parking vehicles near trees scheduled for pruning during the posted work period.
• Keep children and pets away from active work zones.
• If you have any specific concerns about a tree near your property, please contact Public Works before the start of pruning.

We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work to enhance the safety and appearance of our community. If you have questions or would like more information, please contact us at 708-403-6350 or publicworks@orlandpark.org or visit orlandpark.org/departments/public-works.

Private Tree

Private trees are located on private property. Trees located on private property are maintained by the property owner(s).

The Village does not remove trees or tree debris from private property. Waste Management is the Village's contracted yard waste removal provider. Brush and branches must be cut into 4-foot lengths and bundled with string or twine. Each bundle must not exceed 50lbs. Unbundled brush will not be collected. Whole trees and limbs greater than 4 inches in diameter and stumps are not include in the weekly pick-up. Additional questions regarding yard waste pick up should be directed to Waste Management at (800) 964-8988. Additionally, a list of licensed contractors for landscaping and tree service can be obtained from Development Services for larger tree and debris removal.

A tree removal permit must be submitted for review and approval by the Public Works Department prior to the removal of a tree. Whether a tree can be taken down without a permit is dependent on the size of the tree or where it is located. Tree mitigation may be required.

Tree Removal Permit

Tree Maintenance

Per Section 3-6-9 of the Municipal Code, property owners are responsible for the maintenance of any parkway tree adjacent to their property and/or any tree located on their private property. See Section 3-6-9 below:

Section 3-6-9

Pruning, Right of Way Clearance.

Every owner of any tree overhanging any street or right of way within the Village shall prune the branches so that such branches shall not obstruct the view of any street intersection and so that there shall be a clear space of eight feet above the surface of the street or sidewalk. Said owners shall remove all dead, diseased or dangerous trees, or broken or decayed limbs which constitute a menace to the safety of the public. The Village, in accordance with the law, shall have the right to prune any tree or shrub on private property when it interferes with the proper spread of light along the street from a street light or interferes with visibility of any traffic control device or sign.

Chapter 3-6 of the Municipal Code provides additional information regarding the Village’s Tree Management Program. See link below for a copy of Chapter 3-6.

Tree Management Program