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Tree Removal - Rights and Responsibilities

One of the most important portions of Lincolnshire’s Tree Preservation Code is the segment which explains a resident’s rights and responsibilities with regard to tree removal. This article will answer some of the more commonly asked questions about Lincolnshire’s tree removal policies.

When is a Tree Removal Permit required?
A Tree Removal Permit must be obtained when a tree, equal to or greater than, 6 inches in dbh, or a grouping of trees with a combined dbh of 6 inches or more, is to be removed from any property located within the Village limits. DBH refers to the diameter of a tree measured 4 ½ feet above the ground.

What circumstances warrant the removal of a tree?
If no building permit is being sought, tree removal will be permitted only when, (1) removal is necessary to observe good forestry practice such as the removal of invasive woody plants to restore a degrading woodland, (2) a tree, due to natural circumstances is dead, irreversibly declining, in danger of falling, or is otherwise determined to be a hazard, or (3) removal is to create a single, regularly shaped rear yard lawn which may not exceed 10 percent of the entire rear yard area. (Item 2 simply requires Village authorization; Items 1 and 3 require a permit from the Village, which may involve a permit fee and tree replacement requirements.)

It may also be necessary to remove a tree when it falls within the footprint of a proposed addition or amenity. Tree removal associated with Building Permits requires a Tree Removal Permit as well as the planting of replacement trees.

Do I need to replace a dead or irreversibly declining tree?
When a tree is dead, hazardous, or irreversibly declining due to natural circumstances, there are no replacements required. However, prior to removing a dead tree, the Village Forester must verify the tree’s condition and authorize the removal.

How does one determine the amount of replacements that will be required?
Tree replacement requirements are determined based on the species and size of the tree(s) removed. Desirable trees, such as but not limited to Oak, Maple, and Ash, must be replaced on an inch:inch basis. Undesirable trees, such as but not limited to Willow, Cottonwood, and Boxelder, only require 30% replacement of the diameter inches removed. Therefore, removal of a 20 inch Oak would require 20 inches of replacement, while removal of a 20 inch Cottonwood would require just 6 inches of replacement trees.

How does the Village ensure that the required tree replacements are planted?
Prior to being issued a tree removal permit, the resident seeking a permit must provide the Village with a cash deposit equal to the cost of replacement tree inches required. The amount of the cash deposit is calculated as $150.00 per inch of tree replacement required. Once the replacements have been planted, and subsequently approved by the Village, the cash deposit will be refunded. If a resident does not wish to replace trees on his/her property in Lincolnshire.

How do I apply for a Tree Removal Permit?
To request a tree removal permit, simply contact the Village Forester. You will have to provide your name, address, general location of the tree, and the reason for removal. Please allow 48 hours for a response from the Forester.

Trees are an important public resource that provide a wealth of benefits to a variety of life forms. Tree Preservation Ordinances are a way for communities to monitor and protect their forest resource. Abiding by these "Tree Laws" insures that the numerous benefits provided by trees will be available for future generations of Lincolnshire residents to enjoy.

If you have any further questions about the Village’s Tree Preservation Ordinance or would like to request a tree removal permit, contact Tony Gliot, the Village Forester, at 847-883-8600.