Park Ridge’s community forest is made up of both public and private property trees. The City has long recognized that trees substantially contribute to the environment, health, and quality of life of the community. The magnitude of these benefits is related to tree age, size, and condition. Generally speaking, leafy, large-stature, mature trees provide more benefits and ecosystem/environmental services. When considering overall tree canopy cover, the larger the network and connectivity of tree canopies, the greater the benefits provided. Therefore, it is goal of the City and purpose of the Tree Preservation Ordinance to preserve, protect, replace, and properly maintain the community's trees and to ensure that urban forest benefits are maximized for present and future generations.

TREE PRESERVATION AND CONSTRUCTION

Tree Preservation Plan
When a building or site work permit is being sought, a legible Tree Preservation Plan must be submitted along with other required documents indicated in the Community, Preservation & Development’s Construction Guidelines. Each Tree Preservation Plan must include the following:

• A tree survey indicating location, size (diameter*) and species of all Protected Trees greater than 10” diameter* and all trees on public property. If no trees exist on either the public or private property, please indicate with a
• All tree protection measures to be taken to minimize potential damage to trees and how trees will be protected throughout all phases of construction. At a minimum, all fencing shall go to the dripline of the tree or to the excavation limits. Excavation limits falling within the dripline shall be subject to the approval of Forestry Staff. 
• Any trees greater than 10” diameter* proposed to be removed for the site improvement or provide a list of such trees on the plan. Provide a completed Tree Removal Application for all single stemmed trees 10” or greater in diameter* or multi-stem trees with a cumulative diameter of 15” or greater in diameter*. If the site has numerous trees, the trees must be marked on the property as well. If no trees are being removed from the property, please indicate with a
• Location, shape and spatial arrangement of all existing and proposed buildings, impervious surfaces, structures, driveways, construction access points and construction material/debris storage areas.
• Existing and proposed utility services including water & sewer as well as excavation locations for access to utilities and connections to mains, when
• Setbacks, yard requirements, easements and conservancy

Tree Protection Fencing
Please refer to the Forestry Building Permit Requirements & Tree Protection Fencing Detail document for more information.

• No construction activity shall take place within the protected root zone of a tree. Additionally, no construction debris or materials shall be stored within the protected root zone.
• Appropriate protective fencing shall be installed at the periphery of the tree’s root zone/drip line.

• No attachments, signs, fences, or wires, shall be attached to trees during the construction period.
• The entire parkway must be fenced and maintained during construction whether trees are present or not.

Refer to Article 15, Chapter 18 for all regulations pertaining to Tree Preservation on Private Property.