Normal’s Tree Maintenance and Planting Policy and Procedures
The
Town of Normal takes great pride in expanding and maintaining
our community’s green landscape. In 2006 the Town was designated
a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Normal has
now received this designation for eight consecutive years. For
the fourth consecutive year Normal has also received a Tree City
USA Growth Award, which recognizes environmental improvement and
encourages higher levels of tree care.
For more information on the Tree City USA program please visit their website.
FAQ on Planting, Removing, Trimming and Excavating around Trees on Public Property in Normal
The information below is a summary of Division 8.7 of the Town of Normal Municipal Code.
Planting Trees in Normal
Did you know that each year the Town of Normal plants hundreds of new trees in our Parks and along our public streets and the Constitution Trail? In order to properly care for the tens of thousands of trees rooted on public property it is essential that Normal’s forestry staff is aware of any new trees that are planted in public property. After all, trees that are planted in public property ultimately become the property of the Town of Normal.
The questions and answers below will help make sure you are taking the proper steps when planting trees on private or public property.
When do I need to get a permit to plant a tree in my yard?
A permit [PDF] is only necessary when you want to plant a tree on public property. If you are planting a tree on your privately owned property you do not need to contact the Town. If you are unsure if the property is public or private, please call our Parks and Recreation Department at 454-9540 and they can assist you with that determination. Remember, in most instances the property closest to the street, or between the sidewalk and street, is public property. The McLean County GIS Internet Map Server shows an aerial photograph, property lines and many other items of interest regarding property in McLean County.
What
types of factors will Normal consider when approving trees that
are to be planted on public property?
Normal’s trained and professional staff will consider a number of factors including the type of tree and proposed location of the planting. We will consider growth habits, propensity to storm damage, disease resistance, and fruiting habits of trees among many other limitations. Normal’s professional staff is happy to help select a tree that would be best suited for a particular area.
If I plant a tree on public property and do not obtain a permit, can I be fined?
Residents can be fined between $50 to $500 for planting a tree on public property without obtaining the necessary permit [PDF]. Permits do not cost anything, however they necessary in order for the Town to properly care for all trees on public property.
Does Normal offer any assistance for residents wanting to plant a tree on private property?
Yes, Normal does have a tree planting program that helps offset the cost of new trees planted on private property. Residents can be reimbursed for up to $60 through this tree planting program. For more information on this program and for an application please see the Tree Planting Program page.
Removing and Trimming Trees in Normal
Normal
spends thousands of dollars each year in tree planting and
maintenance efforts. In order to protect this investment we want
to work with residents when they feel there is a need to remove
or trim a tree rooted in public property. In order to work with
residents, a permit
[PDF] is required before removing or significantly trimming
any tree or shrub located on public property in Normal.
If a tree is rooted on private property no permit is needed to trim or remove the tree. Trees and shrubs on private property must simply be maintained in a manner that will not interfere with visibility and access on roads and sidewalks and also must not pose any safety hazards.
Normal wants to work with our residents so please contact our professional staff before removing or trimming trees on public property.
The questions and answers below will help make sure you are taking the proper steps when removing or trimming trees on public property.
How do I determine if a tree in my yard is on public or private property?
If you are unsure if the property is public or private, please call our Parks and Recreation Department at 454-9540 and they can assist you with that determination. Remember, in most instances the property closest to the street, or between the sidewalk and street, is public property. Also, most of the property directly adjacent to the Constitution Trial is publicly owned. The width of Town Owned property varies along the trail, so if you are not sure of ownership, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department. Therefore, residents cannot remove or trim trees that border the trail without obtaining a permit.
What trimming is allowed on trees rooted in public property without obtaining a permit?
Minor trimming of branches that are less than one inch in diameter is permitted as long as you are not removing more than one-third of the trees foliage. If you wish to trim a branch that is larger than one inch in diameter or if you wish to trim more than one-third of the foliage you will need to obtain a permit [PDF].
What are the penalties for violating this ordinance or failing to obtain a permit?
Violators can be fined between $25 and $500 and may also be required to reimburse the Town for the value of the tree or shrub that was removed or damaged.
Excavating around Trees in Normal
People digging or trenching around trees on public property can often times damage the root system of a tree causing it to decline in health or even die. In order to avoid this any excavations around trees on public property must first be approved by the Town of Normal through our permit [PDF] process. A permit is only required when excavating or digging inside the drip line of a tree that is greater than 20ft in height. Contractors, landscape businesses or residents with questions about this requirement should call our professional staff at 454-9540 prior to excavating around trees in public property.