Private contractors will be pruning trees through March in the south and southeast areas of the Village.
The winter pruning cycle will follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines for tree care to address three key issues — tree health, resident safety and protecting property from damage. Crews will be removing dead or dying limbs as well as thinning out and raising the canopy to allow for safe vehicle and pedestrian traffic and create appropriate clearances for adjacent structures and signs.
While the pruning may appear excessive during winter when no leaves are on the limbs, crews will make sure the pruning is just right as foliage returns in the spring. With a program that aims to prune every tree on public property once every four years, plans must consider that the medium-aged trees that compose a major share of those on Oak Park parkways can grow up to two feet each year — or eight feet between pruning cycles.
The Village’s pruning program helps minimize storm damage and reduce ongoing pruning requests. Village Forestry crews will be spot checking progress of the private contractors. Residents who have any questions or concerns about the type or quality of work being performed by contractors are urged to call 708.358.5700.