Olympia Fields Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

Contact Olympia Fields's Department of Public Works for Tree Permits & Municipal Oversight

Tree removal in Olympia Fields is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest and ensure public safety. The Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees all tree removal activities on public property and within parkways, requiring permits for the removal of trees exceeding 6-8 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) for protected species and 8+ inches for public trees. Residents and contractors must submit permit applications, which are reviewed through site inspections and written determinations. Emergency removals due to hazardous conditions are authorized through expedited protocols, while significant removals may require public hearings and advance notice of 7-14 days. The DPW also coordinates with municipal forestry programs, manages public notifications, and enforces compliance through penalties and bond obligations. For detailed permit procedures and municipal oversight, contact:

Olympia Fields Public Works Department
20040 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: (708) 503-8200
Official Website: Olympia Fields Public Works Department

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Olympia Fields

Olympia Fields mandates that tree health assessments and risk evaluations be conducted by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. These professionals utilize standardized protocols, including the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ), to evaluate structural integrity, disease presence, pest infestations, and proximity risks to structures or utilities. Common local species such as oaks, maples, ash, and elms are susceptible to threats like emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease. Arborists must document findings and recommend alternatives to removal, such as structural pruning, cabling, or integrated pest management. Certification requirements include:

• ISA Certified Arborist credentials
• TRAQ for formal risk assessments
• Illinois arborist licensing (where required)
• Commercial pesticide applicator licenses (if chemical treatments are used)
• Crane operator certification for large removals

Professional liability insurance and adherence to municipal standards are essential for all assessment and removal activities.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Tree Removal & Water Quality Protection

Tree removal operations in Olympia Fields must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to protect water quality and sensitive habitats. Coordination with watershed protection programs is required to prevent debris and sediment from entering streams, rivers, and wetlands. Erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and immediate site stabilization, are mandatory, especially on slopes or near water bodies. Before removal, nesting bird surveys (March-August) and bat habitat assessments for large cavity trees are required, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Stormwater management compliance is achieved through adherence to the village’s MS4 permit and best practices outlined in the Illinois Urban Manual. Invasive species, such as buckthorn and emerald ash borer-infested material, must be disposed of following quarantine protocols. For more information, consult:

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
1021 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, IL 62702
Phone: (217) 782-3397
Official Website: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Municipal Tree Protection Ordinances & Public Tree Management in Olympia Fields

Olympia Fields enforces specific tree protection ordinances that set permit thresholds for both private and public property, with special designations for heritage or landmark trees based on diameter and species. Permit applications require detailed documentation and are reviewed by the DPW, often in coordination with the Building and Planning Departments for projects affecting structures or significant site alterations. Utility companies are involved for line clearance operations, and emergency protocols are in place for storm damage. Enforcement includes violation reporting, citation issuance, stop-work orders, and correction timelines. Professional liability standards require contractors to carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage. Public tree management is supported by municipal tree inventories, systematic inspections, hazard identification, and community planting initiatives. For ordinance details and coordination, contact:

Olympia Fields Planning and Zoning Commission
20040 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: (708) 503-8000
Official Website: Olympia Fields Planning and Zoning Commission

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Olympia Fields

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations, with oversight from the Olympia Fields Building Department for projects near structures. Compliance with OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266, 1926 Subpart R) is required, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), rigging and climbing certifications, aerial lift safety, and fall protection systems. Utility coordination involves advance notification to electric, gas, water, and telecommunications providers, with JULIE (811) notification required at least 48 hours before root zone excavation. Clearance protocols mandate a minimum 10-foot distance from overhead power lines, and only qualified line clearance arborists may work near utilities. Public safety measures include street closure permits, barricades, signage, and coordination with the Police Department for traffic management. Insurance requirements include a minimum $1 million general liability policy. For safety and permit guidance, contact:

Olympia Fields Building Department
20040 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: (708) 503-8000
Official Website: Olympia Fields Building Department

Proper Tree Debris Disposal Through Olympia Fields's Municipal Programs & Illinois Waste Requirements

Olympia Fields supports Illinois’s organic waste diversion goals by prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting municipal composting and wood waste programs. Residents can utilize the village’s composting facility or transfer site, following permit and fee requirements, accepted material specifications, and load size limitations. Seasonal brush pickup is available, typically requiring 4-foot lengths and 50-pound bundles, with special collections for storm debris. Wood waste diversion options include municipal chipping programs, sawmill coordination for valuable species, firewood processing, and partnerships with biomass facilities. Emergency storm debris management involves FEMA coordination and regional mutual aid. For debris disposal procedures, contact:

Olympia Fields Public Works Department
20040 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: (708) 503-8200
Official Website: Olympia Fields Public Works Department

Protecting Olympia Fields's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Tree replacement is a cornerstone of Olympia Fields’s urban forest management, with requirements for native or climate-adapted species, minimum 2-3 inch caliper size, and adherence to planting location and spacing standards. Establishment care protocols and survival guarantees are enforced, with in-lieu fees available when on-site planting is not feasible. Urban forest goals include achieving 30-40% canopy coverage, promoting species diversity (no more than 10% of a single species), and integrating climate resilience strategies. Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer planting programs, Arbor Day events, tree care workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Preservation alternatives, such as health maintenance, structural support, and integrated pest management, are promoted to extend the life of heritage trees. Long-term planning addresses succession, climate adaptation, and integration with green infrastructure.

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Olympia Fields, IL?

Olympia Fields encompasses diverse neighborhoods, each with unique tree removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Graymoor: Mature oaks and maples, heritage tree protections, narrow streets requiring specialized equipment, and proximity to Butterfield Creek necessitate erosion control and MS4 compliance.
• Olympia Club: High-value properties with strict HOA regulations, frequent emerald ash borer infestations, and architectural review requirements for removals.
• Maynegaite: Dense canopy of elms and hackberries, invasive buckthorn issues, and storm damage history; access limited by winding roads and steep slopes.
• Greene Acres: Large lots with landmark trees, utility conflicts, and flood-prone areas requiring advanced stormwater management and replacement vegetation.
• Suburban Woods: Mixed-age tree population, frequent utility line clearance needs, and seasonal occupancy patterns affecting scheduling and community engagement.
• The Greens: Business district impacts, parking restrictions for equipment, and coordination with commercial property owners for safety and compliance.
• Arcadia: Senior community with safety-focused removal protocols, pedestrian protection, and high community involvement in tree planting and care.

Each area requires tailored approaches to permit procedures, infrastructure integration, environmental sensitivities, and community expectations.

Olympia Fields Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Olympia Fields regulates tree removal equipment operation to minimize community disruption and ensure safety. Permitted operating hours are typically 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends, with noise restrictions enforced through municipal ordinances. Commercial service providers must obtain a business license, register as contractors, and maintain insurance (minimum $1 million general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage). Bonding is required for municipal contract work, and arborist certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment operation, OSHA compliance, and public notification. Environmental compliance standards mandate proper material handling, immediate cleanup, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to Illinois EPA and local environmental regulations, including stormwater and erosion control measures. For licensing and compliance information, contact:

Olympia Fields Community Development Department
20040 Governors Highway, Olympia Fields, IL 60461
Phone: (708) 503-8000
Official Website: Olympia Fields Village Departments