Gypsy Moth

During the summer of 2007, many Highland Park residents became aware that there was a problem with the some of the large trees standing on their property. Leaves were being consumed; brown, hairy caterpillars were seen climbing up and down the trunks and small black pellets were raining from the branches. Gypsy moths had arrived in our community!

Gypsy Moths caterpillars, the immature form of a small tan moth, feed on the leaves of many of the valuable native trees that make Highland Park one of the most beautiful suburbs on the North Shore. Having only one life cycle a year, the insects hatch from eggs laid on the trees the year before. When the insect population densities become high and there is the possibility for significant damage to the native forest, the best means to control are

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

judicious pesticide applications. Young caterpillars can be controlled with a biologically derived insecticide called Bacillus thuringiensis, commonly known as Bt. Bt causes a disease deadly to butterfly and moth larva, but essentially harmless to other living things, including birds, fish, humans, and pets. Later in the summer, the caterpillars are more difficult to kill and non-selective chemicals must be used.

There is one location in Highland Park where the Gypsy Moth population has reached a level that control measures are necessary. The Forestry Department is planning to contract two aerial applications of Bt in June, approximately 10 days apart. To see a map of the region for the aerial application, please click here. In addition to the aerial application, further ground applications may also be necessary. For more information regarding Gypsy Moth, please click here.

For questions regarding Gypsy Moth, please contact Assistant City Forester Joe ONeill by email at joneill@cityhpil.com or by telephone at (847) 926-1604.

Emerald Ash Borer

It has recently been reported that the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) has been discovered in a North Shore community, and presents an imminent threat to the City of Highland Park urban forest and many more trees on private property throughout the City.

The City of Highland Park is focused on working with Illinois communities, organizations and residents to minimize the impact of the emerald ash borer. For information on the emerald ash borer please consult the printable brochure prepared by The Morton Arboretum. A link to the brochure is located to the right.

Emerald Ash Borer Brochure 

Tree Removal Permit

A permit is required to remove any tree larger that 8” DBH (Diameter at Breast Height).  To receive a non-construction related tree removal permit, print out the attached form and fill in the appropriate spaces. The name of the Contractor is not required to complete this form.  Mail or fax the completed document to: Department of Public Works, Attn. Joe O'Neill, 1150 Half Day Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035; Fax number (847) 926-8885.  If you have any questions, please call Joe O'Neill at (847) 926-1604.

Tree Removal Application Form (PDF)

Contact Information

For further information related to the Forestry Division, contact Larry King, City Forester at (847) 926-1149 or Joe ONeill, Assistant Forester at (847) 926-1604 in the Public Works Department, 1150 Half Day Road, Highland Park, Illinois 60035.