PARK TREES: Trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation in public parks having individual names, and all areas owned by the Village, or to which the public has free access as a park.
PARKWAY: A strip of land situated within the dedicated street right-of-way and (1) located between the roadway and right-of-way line or (2) a median located between the roadways.
STREET TREES: Trees, shrubs, bushes and all other woody vegetation on land lying within the right-of-way lines on the parkway on either side of all streets, avenues, or ways within the Village.
URBAN FORESTRY: The planting, maintenance, care and protection of tree populations in urban and suburban settings. Urban forestry recognizes that:
1. Trees absorb pollution from the air;
2. Trees produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide;
3. Trees absorb and filter pollution from stormwater run-off and reduce flooding;
4. Trees stabilize soils and reduce erosion;
5. Trees reduce energy consumption by shielding structures from winds and sun;
6. Trees provide a buffer and screen against noise, light and pollution;
7. Trees act as integral part of the infrastructure of a Village and as such are preserved, protected and cared for as other critical Village infrastructure;
8. Trees provide value to homes, neighborhoods, parks and business areas;
9. Trees provide important habitat for birds and other wildlife; and
10. Trees beautify, protect and enhance our quality of life.
URBAN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT PLAN: A detailed plan developed with the purpose of:
1. Establishing a shared vision for the proactive management of the Village’s urban forest;
2. Protecting the urban forest as an essential component of the Village’s infrastructure;
3. Establishing nationally recognized standards for tree planting, selection, care and preservation;
4. Providing detailed information, recommendations, and resources to effectively manage public trees for maximum, long-term benefits to the community; and
5. The establishment of policy and procedure manuals, specifications, public education, annual forestry work plans and budgets.
VILLAGE FORESTER: An individual trained in the profession of forestry who has a forestry degree or similar from an institution of advanced education and substantial experience in the planting, maintenance, care and protection of trees. Additional skill requirements for the Village Forester can be found in the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
(Amd. Ord. 5727, 7-18-22)