Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program

The planning for the 2023 Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program has begun and the donation form is now available!

The Village of Kenilworth’s Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program is a way to help keep Kenilworth’s neighborhoods beautiful while maintaining our community’s quality of life. The Parkway Tree Planting Program is designed to replace trees in a way that is good forestry practice to help preserve our Urban Forest.  Our goal is to replant trees within 2-3 years after the loss of a tree removed.  Trees will be provided by a well-known nursery and recommended by certified arborists. The Village will ensure the trees are planted in ideal locations that don't interfere with other trees, underground utilities, line-of-sight, size of the parkway, etc.) 

With a tree nursery selected, residents can expect an invitation to participate and donation information in the mail.  The donation includes the tree, installation, mulching, initial watering, soil removal, and a one year warranty. Throughout the planning phase, staff will work with the nursery to determine site locations and reach out to residents to confirm the placements. Trees will be delivered and planted in the fall.

Selecting a Location

To ensure the health and safety of the tree and residents, the following must be taken into consideration when selecting the location of a new tree:

1. 30 feet from other parkway trees. This spacing helps eliminate competition for nourishments and sunlight between neighboring trees and prevents deformation and undergrowth.

2. 30 feet from an intersection or 10 feet from an alley. This prevents obstructions from vehicular traffic.

3. 15 feet from streetlights and fire hydrants. This prevents the root system from expanding and damaging the infrastructure.

4. 5 feet from sidewalks, curbs, or other pavement. This will help prevent damage to the paved-ways.

5. 10 feet from water, sewer, and gas lines or shut off valves. This prevents the root system from damaging these systems.

6. At least 2-3 years must have passed before a tree can be planted on the site of a removed tree. This time allows the roots to properly disintegrate.

7. Centered between curb and sidewalk when possible.

What Species Are Available?

Fall 2023 selections are available to view in the application.

Can I Replace The Parkway Tree On My Own?

Throughout the year, residents can contact the Village and request to be placed on the parkway tree recipient waiting list.  To avoid the waiting list, residents have the option to purchase their own parkway tree through a donation from the Fall Tree Planting Program.  The cost includes the tree, installation, mulching, initial watering, soil removal, and a one year warranty. Trees are delivered and planted in the fall.

Can a New Tree be Planted Where Another Tree Was Removed?

The Village waits at least 2-3 years before planting a new tree on the site of a removed tree.  This will allow for the decomposition of the previous tree's roots so that the new tree will have enough room to grow. 

How Do I Care For My New Parkway Tree?

As a property owner, your responsibility to the tree does not end once it has been planted. Post-planting care is critical in the first 3 years after planting. Proper watering during the growing season, mulching and trunk protection are some of the key components of after-planting care. 

My Brand New Tree Has Already Died, What Now?

Please contact the Public Works Department at (847) 251-9210 to report this. The trees are under warranty from the nursery for a one year period and the Village will have your tree replaced.

How Can I Donate to Help Plant Trees in Kenilworth?

By donating to the Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program, you will be supporting the growth of our urban forest.  You will also provide a number of great benefits to our community’s natural environment which can be enjoyed by wildlife and citizens alike. All donations are tax-deductible. 

How Do I Get On The Parkway Tree Waiting List?

If you would like to be placed on the waiting list for a parkway tree, please submit the online form here or contact Administration Staff at 847-251-1666 Opt. 6 or e-mail info@vok.org

Contact The Village of Kenilworth

If you have questions about the Fall Parkway Tree Planting Program, please contact Administration at 847-251-1666 Opt. 6 or email info@vok.org.