Lemont Tree Removal Services

Our Tree Removal Process

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

Tree removal in Lemont is governed by a robust municipal framework designed to protect the community’s urban forest and public safety. The Lemont Department of Public Works (DPW) oversees all tree removal activities within public rights-of-way and on public property. Permits are required for removing any tree with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 6 inches or greater for protected species, or 8 inches or greater on public land. Applications must be submitted 7-14 days in advance, with site inspections and written determinations provided. Emergency removals for hazardous trees are authorized through expedited protocols. Parkway and heritage trees have additional protections, including possible public hearings and replacement requirements. The DPW coordinates with forestry programs, utility companies, and capital improvement projects to ensure compliance and public notification. Enforcement includes penalties for unauthorized removals and bond obligations for compliance. For permit applications and guidance, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Understanding Tree Health Assessment & Professional Certification Requirements in Lemont

Lemont requires that all tree health assessments and risk evaluations be conducted by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborists. These professionals use standardized protocols to assess structural integrity, disease presence, pest infestations, and storm damage. For formal risk assessments, the Tree Risk Assessment Qualification (TRAQ) is mandatory. Arborists must hold valid Illinois licenses and, where chemical treatments are considered, commercial pesticide applicator credentials. Large removals involving cranes require operator certification. Common local species include oaks, maples, ash, elm, and hackberry, with threats such as emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease. Before removal, alternatives like structural pruning, cabling, soil improvement, and integrated pest management are considered. Documentation of findings and recommendations is required for permit review. Liability insurance and professional bonding are also mandated for all contractors.

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

Tree removal in Lemont must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations to protect water quality and sensitive habitats. Coordination with watershed protection programs ensures that streams, rivers, and wetlands are shielded from debris and sediment. Erosion control measures, such as sediment barriers and immediate site stabilization, are required during and after removal, especially on slopes or near waterways. Nesting bird surveys (March-August) and bat habitat assessments are necessary for large or cavity trees, in accordance with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Stormwater management must align with Lemont’s MS4 permit and EPA NPDES requirements, using best practices from the Illinois Urban Manual. Invasive species like buckthorn and pest-infested material must be disposed of per state quarantine protocols. For further guidance, 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 Lemont

Lemont’s tree protection ordinances establish clear thresholds for permits, with special designations for heritage and landmark trees based on species and DBH. Permit applications require detailed documentation, including site plans and arborist reports, and are reviewed by the DPW in coordination with the Building and Planning Departments. Public notification and, in some cases, public hearings are required for significant removals. Enforcement mechanisms include violation reporting, citations, stop-work orders, and correction timelines. Contractors must carry general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), workers’ compensation, and property damage coverage, with bonding for public contracts. The DPW maintains a municipal tree inventory, conducts systematic inspections, and leads community planting initiatives as part of Lemont’s urban forest master plan. For ordinance details and compliance support, contact:

Lemont Community Development Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

Safety Regulations & Utility Coordination for Tree Removal Operations in Lemont

Safety is paramount in all tree removal operations. The Lemont Building Department oversees permits for removals affecting structures and ensures compliance with building codes. OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910.266, 1926 Subpart R) govern all operations, requiring personal protective equipment (PPE), certified rigging and climbing, aerial lift safety, and fall protection. Utility coordination is essential: advance notification to electric, gas, and telecommunications providers is required, and JULIE (811) must be contacted at least 48 hours before root zone excavation. Clearance from overhead lines (minimum 10 feet for up to 50kV) and qualified line clearance arborists are mandatory. Public safety measures include street closure permits, traffic control, barricades, and coordination with the Lemont Police Department. Contractors must maintain insurance and bonding as specified by municipal standards. For safety and permit information, contact:

Lemont Building Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1581
Official Website: Lemont Building Department

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

Lemont supports Illinois’s organic waste diversion goals by prohibiting tree debris in household trash and promoting municipal composting and wood waste programs. Residents and contractors must use designated composting facilities or transfer sites, adhering to operating hours, permit requirements, and accepted material specifications (logs, brush, stumps). Seasonal brush pickup is available, with size and weight limitations, and special collections are organized after storms. Wood waste diversion options include municipal chipping, mulch distribution, sawmill partnerships for valuable species, and firewood programs. Storm debris is managed through emergency collection procedures and, when necessary, FEMA coordination. All disposal must comply with Illinois EPA regulations and documentation standards. For program details, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Protecting Lemont's Urban Forest Through Replacement Requirements & Community Stewardship

Lemont’s urban forest management emphasizes tree replacement and community stewardship. Replacement trees must meet species selection guidelines favoring native and climate-adapted varieties, with minimum size specifications (typically 2-3 inch caliper). Planting locations and spacing are regulated to ensure long-term health, and establishment care protocols with survival guarantees are required. In-lieu fees may be assessed if on-site planting is not feasible. Urban forest goals include increasing canopy coverage (30-40%), promoting species diversity, and integrating climate resilience strategies. Community involvement is encouraged through volunteer planting events, educational workshops, and citizen science initiatives. Preservation alternatives, such as health maintenance and structural support for heritage trees, are promoted. Long-term planning addresses succession, climate adaptation, and integration with green infrastructure. For stewardship opportunities, contact:

Lemont Community Development Department
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lemont, IL?

Lemont’s neighborhoods each present unique tree removal challenges and regulatory considerations:

• Historic Downtown: Features mature oaks and maples, with heritage tree protections and architectural review requirements. Narrow streets and overhead utilities require specialized equipment and traffic control. Proximity to the canal and floodplain necessitates erosion control and MS4 compliance.
• Timberline Estates: Predominantly ash and hackberry, with high emerald ash borer pressure. HOA approval is required, and invasive species management is a priority. Access is limited by cul-de-sacs and mature landscaping.
• Covington Knolls: Newer plantings with diverse species, but stormwater detention areas require careful debris management. Permit timelines are streamlined, but replacement standards are strictly enforced.
• Lemont Hills: Steep slopes and proximity to wetlands demand erosion control and habitat protection. Equipment access is limited, and rare species surveys may be required.
• Archer Avenue Corridor: Commercial and mixed-use, with frequent utility conflicts and parking restrictions. Business district coordination and public notification are essential.
• River Valley Estates: Flood-prone, with riparian buffers and MS4 requirements. Tree removals must protect water quality and comply with Clean Water Act standards.
• Senior Communities (e.g., Carriage Ridge): Safety and accessibility are priorities, with seasonal occupancy patterns and enhanced public notification.

Lemont Municipal Ordinances for Tree Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Lemont’s municipal ordinances regulate equipment operation and commercial service standards 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 in residential areas. Contractors must obtain a business license, register with the municipality, and provide proof of insurance (minimum $1 million liability, workers’ compensation, property damage). Bonding is required for municipal contracts, and arborist certification must be verified. Safety protocols include traffic control, work zone setup, and OSHA compliance. Environmental standards mandate proper material handling, immediate cleanup, and stormwater protection. All operations must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 regulations, with documentation of waste disposal and erosion control measures. For ordinance details, contact:

Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works