Highland Park Named Tree City USA
Highland Park was recently once again designated a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Among Illinois communities, only Urbana has received this prestigious designation for a longer consecutive period of time. In order to earn the designation, a community must have a tree board or department; have a city tree ordinance; maintain a comprehensive forestry program; and observe Arbor Day each year.

Trees have long been recognized for the beauty and value they lend to homes, neighborhoods, parks and business areas. At the same time, those trees conserve energy, help clean the air, protect rivers and streams, and provide a home for wildlife.

Tree Preservation Ordinance
A tree removal permit is required prior to the removal of any tree larger than 8" in diameter as measured 4 1/2 feet from the ground or for any multi-stemmed tree of 15" or greater.

A Tree Preservation Plan, which includes a survey, as well as the methods used to preserve trees during construction, must accompany all applications for Building Permits.

Tree Planting Program
Few actions have as positive and lasting an impact on a community as the planting of new trees. Trees increase in value and beauty as the years go by, stamping their character on the visual landscape of the community.

This year, the City will again offer the shared-cost program to residents and property owners for the planting of new trees on City rights-of-way.

The program allows citizens to have trees of their choice planted along streets adjacent to their homes or businesses.

A variety of tree species are available for purchase, including flowering trees, each differing in shape, fruit and flower. The cost of each tree ranges between $70-100, depending upon the particular species chosen. The cost includes the price of the tree, as well as expenses related to planting. Interested residents should call 847-926-1149 for more information.

Caring For Your Trees
The trees on your property are an asset to your home's value. With a little care, you can maintain their health and beauty for many years to come.

Proper Watering Maintains Health
Most trees need 4" to 5" inches of rainfall per month to survive. Some trees, such as willows, require slightly more water, while others, like elms, can exist with less.

During periods of extended heat and drought, watering trees helps to preserve their health and beauty. Do this by applying water under low pressure over an extended period of time. Using a sprinkler or soaker hose, allow water to trickle onto the area occupied by the roots for two to four hours once every two to four weeks. Periodic deep watering is better for the health of trees than frequent sprinkling. Light watering will encourage tree roots to grow shallow, and subsequently, they become more susceptible to temperature and moisture fluctuations.

Don’t forget to water trees growing in the parkway adjacent to your home. Trees close to streets often grow in areas where root systems are restricted and subjected to additional stress. For further information, call 847-926-1149.

Asian Longhorn Beetle Update
Due to recent developments in the Chicago area regarding the Asian longhorn beetle, the following information from the Illinois Department of Agriculture is provided to assist residents in identifying the insect, and the damage it may cause. This information is designed to help residents make an informed evaluation of an insect or insect damage prior to contacting local authorities.

• Adult beetles are large-bodied (1 to 1-1/4") with very long antenna. Their bodies are black with white spots and their antenna are black and white.
• Large (3/8" diameter) round holes on branches, tree trunks, or exposed roots indicating where beetles exit the tree.
• Large piles of course sawdust around the base of trees or branches.
• The beetle is known to attack maple trees including Norway, red, silver, and sugar, sycamore and boxelder. Horsechestnut trees have also been targeted.

Residents observing any of the aforementioned symptoms are asked to call the Forestry Division at (847) 926-1149.

Fall Composting Encouraged
Residents are reminded that shredded, composted leaves constitute an excellent soil amendment throughout the community. Leaves can be shredded by running them over with a mulching mower, or by running them through a specially-designed chipper/shredder. Be sure to read and follow all safety instructions before using such equipment. Shredded leaves can be applied directly to garden beds as mulch, or they can be composted over the winter and dug into flower and vegetable beds, similar to adding peat moss or mushroom compost.

Mulching around a tree, as far out as the drip line (or outermost tips of its branches), can help it retain moisture even in times of drought and also reduce damage from lawn mowers and other lawn maintenance machinery.

Help Keep Streets and Sidewalks Clear of Overgrowth
With the growing season in full bloom, residents and property owners alike are reminded of their obligation to keep trees, shrubs, and bushes trimmed in the interests of public safety. Please note:

• All trees, bushes, shrubs, or plants which overhang any public street, sidewalk, or path should be trimmed, so as not to impede or interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic;
• Vegetation which may obstruct the view of motorists at street intersections should also be cut back;
• Any tree or limb which is dead, decayed, broken, or is likely to fall on or across a public way should be removed by the property owner.

Walkers, bikers, joggers, and children traveling both to and from school will appreciate your efforts!

Contact Information
For more information, please email Larry King, City Forester, or call (847) 926-1149.