Forestry

The Forestry section consists of a Lead Maintenance Worker, an additional full-time ISA certified Arborist, and seasonal help during the summer months.  It is the responsibility of Public Works to care for and maintain more than 15,000 parkway trees and the landscape maintenance of Village-owned properties.  The goal is to provide prompt, professional service, incorporating the most current and innovative techniques.

  1. Free Woodchips

    2. Wood chips are a byproduct of many Public Works programs.  Residents can pick up these chips free of charge at the Public Works site located at 1151 Kilbourne Road.

  2. Parkway Tree Program
    3. Each spring the Village offers a 50/50 program to residents for the planting of about 60 new parkway trees. This is a part of the Village's ongoing effort to maintain the community’s urban forest and increase the number of trees in town. The Village contributes 50% of the cost of the trees, with residents providing the remaining $175.00.  Participation in the program is strictly voluntary and is limited to owner-occupied homes.
     
    The species of trees planted are from a master list approved by the Village Arborists. These species have been selected for their habit, disease resistance, and cultural tolerances.

    Trees can be placed only within the parkway.  Residents may suggest locations for the trees, but locations will be reviewed for suitability and to avoid utility conflicts. Each new parkway tree must be placed midway between the curb (or pavement edge) and the sidewalk (or 7' from the pavement for locations without a sidewalk), at least 30' from any other parkway trees, at least 10' from a driveway, and at least 45' from an intersection.  Locations next to manholes, fire hydrants, or street lights are not permitted.

    The Village plants the trees in May (as weather permits) and monitors the health of the tree during the initial growing season.

    Click here to view this year's Parkway Tree Program descriptions, pictures, and order form.
  3. Pest Management
    4. The implementation of an integrated pest management (IPM) program is the best way to keep tree diseases and insects under control. This plan hinges on the idea that in an ecosystem, a certain level of insects and disease is naturally present and that the chemical eradication of these organisms may disrupt a delicate balance in nature. The plan calls for the establishment of damage/economic thresholds to determine at what point chemical application of pesticides is warranted, and ensures that the purpose of this chemical application is only to keep pest populations within these thresholds.

    There are many different components to an I.P.M. system. Scouting for the early identification of plant problems, cultural practices that increase tree vigor, selection of species resistant to pest problems, and the use of biological controls all play a role in reducing chemical pesticide applications and lead to a healthy urban forest.
  4. Tree Inventory and Assessment

    5. Public Works maintains an inventory of the Village’s public trees including data such as tree diameter, species, location, and condition. This an important tool in the management of the urban forest and gives an accurate count of our trees by species, size, street, and maintenance requirements. The inventory aids in planning for future planting, spraying, trimming, and gives us the ability to accurately account for losses and damage in the event of a severe storm or insect infestation.

  5. Tree Replacement
    6. If you are removing a tree from a property in the Village of Gurnee please reference Chapter 45 of the Municipal Code for regulations or call a member of the Village's Planning staff at 847.599.7550.

    Once you have determined if your project meets the Village's regulations, please download the Tree Permit App, fill it out, and return to the Planning & Zoning Department for approval.