Who Maintains Parkway Trees In Wicker Park?

Wondering who is supposed to prune the street tree in front of your Wicker Park building? You are not alone. Parkway trees sit in a gray area for many owners and condo boards, especially when roots lift sidewalks or a storm drops a limb. In this guide, you will learn exactly who maintains parkway trees in Wicker Park, how to request City service through 311, where your responsibilities begin, and how local groups can help. Let’s dive in.

What parkway trees are

Parkway trees are the trees planted in the public right-of-way, usually the strip between the curb and the sidewalk. In most typical Chicago blocks, that strip is City property. These trees are managed as public trees by the City of Chicago through the Department of Streets and Sanitation, Forestry Division.

If your building sits on an unusual lot or has a unique streetscape, property lines can vary. When in doubt, review your plat or the City’s property maps before you do any work.

Who maintains parkway trees

In Chicago, the City is the primary authority for planting, pruning, removal, and emergency response for parkway trees. City Forestry crews or City-contracted crews handle this work on scheduled cycles and through service requests.

As the adjacent property owner or condo board, you are expected to provide basic support. This includes watering newly planted trees, protecting trunks during nearby work, and keeping the area tidy. You should not remove or substantially prune a parkway tree without City authorization or required permits.

What the City handles

The City of Chicago’s Forestry operations typically cover:

• Planting new trees in the public right-of-way and choosing appropriate species.
• Routine pruning on a multi-year schedule across neighborhoods and wards.
• Emergency response for hazards like fallen limbs or downed trees.
• Evaluations for dead or dangerous trees and stump removals.
• Permits and oversight for any contractor working in the public way.

Emergency hazards are prioritized. Routine pruning and non-urgent issues move through a queue and can take weeks or months depending on workload.

What you handle as an owner or board

Adjacent owners and condo associations typically handle day-to-day care and adjacent infrastructure:

• Watering, especially for new trees during the first seasons.
• Light mulching and protection from damage during construction.
• Keeping the parkway area clear of debris and snow or ice where required.
• Maintaining and repairing the sidewalk next to your property, even when tree roots contribute to damage.

If you plan any work in the public right-of-way or on a parkway tree, make sure permits are in place and the City has approved the scope. Unauthorized removals or significant pruning can trigger fines and replacement requirements.

Sidewalk damage and tree roots

Sidewalk maintenance next to your property is generally your responsibility in Chicago. If roots are lifting slabs or causing tripping hazards, file a 311 request for a City evaluation. An inspector may recommend root pruning, engineered sidewalk solutions, or in limited cases tree removal.

Healthy City trees are not typically removed only to prevent possible sidewalk disruption. Many sites allow alternatives such as root pruning, flexible pavers, reinforced slabs, or root barriers to preserve mature trees while improving safety.

How 311 works for tree service

You can submit City service requests by calling 311, using the 311 mobile app, or submitting online through the City’s 311 portal. Have the exact address ready and describe the issue, such as a dead tree, hanging limb, downed tree, root uplift, or a stump.

Include helpful details:

• Precise location and which side of the street.
• Photos that show the issue and its relation to the sidewalk or curb.
• For condo boards, a contact for the manager and a note if the issue affects common areas.

After you submit, you will receive a case number to track status. Expect an inspection for non-emergency issues. Emergency hazards get higher priority. Keep the case number and follow up as needed.

Want faster work or a second opinion

Some owners hire licensed tree contractors to address non-emergency concerns faster. If work affects a parkway tree or requires a sidewalk or curb lane closure, the contractor must comply with City permitting and standards. Private removal of a City tree without authorization is usually prohibited and can result in penalties and replacement obligations.

Before hiring, confirm the contractor’s license and insurance, and verify that they will secure any required permits for work in the public way.

How Wicker Park’s SSAs and community groups help

Wicker Park is served by business groups and Special Service Areas that sometimes fund supplemental services. SSAs may support tree planting, watering programs, and additional streetscape maintenance beyond standard City operations.

If you are on a condo board or managing a mixed-use property, contact your local SSA or your alderman’s office to ask about current programs. Offerings can vary by block and budget cycle, and these partners can sometimes help with coordination or escalation.

Smart steps for condo boards

Condo boards in Wicker Park can stay ahead with simple policies.

• Confirm boundaries. Check your condominium plat or property map to confirm what is public right-of-way versus private.
• Inspect regularly. Do seasonal walk-throughs to spot dead limbs, sidewalk lift, or bark damage.
• Document issues. Photograph problems with dates and quick notes.
• File 311 early. Submit clear requests for hazardous limbs, dead trees, or root-related issues and keep the case number.
• Coordinate permits. If hiring any contractor for public-way work, require permits, insurance, and written scope.
• Track records. Keep 311 records, permits, invoices, and correspondence in the board file.
• Budget wisely. Include sidewalk repair and possible mitigation, such as root barriers or specialty paving, in your capital plan.

What to expect on timing

City pruning runs on multi-year cycles, and 311 requests are triaged. Non-urgent requests can take time. Emergency hazards such as blocked streets or dangerous hanging limbs are addressed faster.

If your issue is urgent, tell 311 clearly that there is an immediate public safety concern. For routine needs, follow up with your case number. If you are seeing little movement, contact your alderman’s office or your local SSA to ask about the current schedule and options.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Performing major pruning or removal without City authorization. This can lead to fines and replacement requirements.
• Skipping permits when working in the public way. Licensed contractors should secure proper permits and follow City standards.
• Ignoring sidewalk lift. Adjacent owners are typically responsible for fixing trip hazards, even when roots are involved.
• Over-mulching or piling soil against the trunk. Keep mulch in a shallow ring and away from direct trunk contact.
• Waiting until storm season. Document issues early and file 311 before severe weather.

Quick checklist for Wicker Park owners

• Identify if the tree is in the parkway or on private land.
• Photograph and note the issue with dates.
• File a 311 request and save the case number.
• Mark emergencies as urgent when you call or submit online.
• Ask your SSA or alderman’s office about local programs.
• If hiring a contractor, verify license, insurance, and permits for work in the public way.
• Keep a record of everything for your files.

Caring for parkway trees protects public safety and helps Wicker Park stay green and walkable. When you know who does what, you can act faster, avoid fines, and preserve the mature canopy that adds value to the neighborhood.

If you are weighing a sidewalk repair, planning a condo sale, or considering a move within Chicago, you can lean on local expertise. Reach out to the team at The Michael Scavo Group for neighborhood guidance and a streamlined plan that fits your timeline.

FAQs

Who maintains parkway trees in Chicago’s Wicker Park?

• The City of Chicago manages parkway trees through the Department of Streets and Sanitation, Forestry Division, while adjacent owners support with watering and basic care.

What should I do if a limb is about to fall on the sidewalk?

• Call 311 and report it as an emergency hazard, provide the exact address and details, and share photos if possible so crews can prioritize the response.

Am I responsible for a sidewalk lifted by tree roots?

• Yes, adjacent property owners are generally responsible for sidewalk repairs, even if roots contribute, though the City can evaluate options through a 311 request.

Can I hire a contractor to prune a parkway tree faster?

• You can hire a licensed contractor, but any work affecting a parkway tree or public way requires City permits and authorization, and unauthorized removal is prohibited.

Will the City remove a healthy tree to prevent future sidewalk damage?

• Removal of a healthy City tree is not normally authorized for that reason alone. The City often considers alternatives like root pruning or engineered sidewalk solutions.

How do condo boards track tree and sidewalk issues effectively?

• Keep a simple system: seasonal inspections, photos, 311 case numbers, permits, invoices, and board notes stored in one place to manage risk and budgets.