Trees

Morton Grove’s tree canopy is a critical part of local infrastructure and the community. Trees beautify Village streets, shade homes and businesses, enhance property values, reduce stormwater runoff and local flooding, improve air and water quality, provide habitat for wildlife, create buffering between land uses, and improve overall quality of life for residents. Morton Grove’s canopy is made up of all trees located within the Village’s municipal boundary, including trees on public streets, in public parks, in the forest preserves, and on private property. These trees offer a myriad of benefits and are a source of local pride.

Tree benefits grow exponentially with maturity. To support a healthy and stable tree canopy, it is important to invest in young trees now while providing proper growing conditions and maintenance to ensure longevity. Watering, mulching, and pruning helps protect trees from storms, infestation, disease, and drought.

The Village’s Department of Public Works Forestry Division maintains approximately 11,000 trees on public parkways, unimproved alleys, and municipal property. In addition to mulching and watering young trees, the Forestry Division prunes all trees on a six-year schedule and by resident request. An aggressive tree planting program works to fill gaps in the canopy while offsetting losses due to age, disease, infestation, and development needs. The National Arbor Day Foundation first designated Morton Grove a Tree City USA community in 2000 and the Village has been recertified every year since.

Because much of Morton Grove’s tree canopy is on private land, property owners play an important role in keeping the canopy healthy. Residents are encouraged to contribute routine maintenance and oversight to the trees in their community. Active stewards of both public and private trees can help improve the health of the local tree canopy and maximize the benefits it provides.

Tree Care Guide

The Village of Morton Grove's Tree Care Guide provides an overview of Morton Grove’s tree canopy, describes common threats to tree health, and explains how residents can best care for trees on public and private property. The guide also includes important contact information, educational resources, and opportunities to get involved.

Download the Tree Care Guide to learn more about Morton Grove's tree canopy and how to care for trees in your community.

50/50 Tree Planting Program

For parkways with an open tree planting area, the Village offers adjacent property owners discounted trees through the annual 50/50 Tree Planting Program. A participating resident is able to select a tree from a list of species appropriate to the planting location and purchase the tree at a 50% discount. The application deadline typically occurs in spring. Offered on a first come, first serve basis, available trees tend to go quickly. Public Works Department staff plants trees purchased through the program. To learn more, visit mortongroveil.org/public-works.