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1. Does the City provide a brush pickup service?

No, the City does not have a brush pickup for brush generated from trees on private property. The City’s contractual waste hauler will collect brush as specified in the yard waste section. The City will only collect brush from City owned parkway trees.

2. How often do parkway trees get pruned?

The City has instituted a 7-year pruning cycle for all its 20,000 trees. Every tree gets inspected and pruned once every seven years.

3. Does the City spray or treat parkways trees?

No, the City does not spray or treat any parkway trees.

4. How does the City determine if and why a parkway tree needs to be removed?

In order to remove a City parkway tree, there are several factors that go into this decision. The following are all factors for removal: overall health of the tree, tree species desirability for parkway use and future maintenance problems, size and appearance, potential for damage to hardscape, number of other trees in close proximity, safety hazards, and suitability of the location. Once the tree is removed, the stump will be ground down and the site restored with soil and grass seed.

5. The parkway tree in front of my house was removed. When will it be replaced?

There are two options available. Residents can plant their own tree after filling out a No-Cost Permit and having approval, or residents can participate in the City’s Share Cost Program.

6. Am I allowed to plant my own tree in the parkway?

Yes, as long as you apply for a No-Cost Permit and receive approval of this permit from the Forestry Superintendent prior to planting.

7. Does the City answer questions regarding trees located on private property?

The City will attempt to answer questions regarding disease or pest problems, but the City will not do a hazard evaluation of privately owned trees.

8. Is the Forestry Division responsible for trees in City parks?

No, the Park District has its own staff that maintains trees within the park system, with the exception of Adams Park, which is maintained by the City.

9. Is the City of Wheaton responsible for the Illinois Prairie Path (IPP)?

No, the DuPage County Highway Department is responsible for any damage, debris, garbage, or fall trees along the Illinois Prairie Path. They can be reached at 1-630-407-6920 or dot@dupageco.org

10. How do I care for my newly planted parkway tree?

The City of Wheaton is requesting your assistance in watering the newly planted parkway tree. The time period immediately after planting is a critical time for a transplanted tree and receiving the correct amount of water is crucial for root growth and the overall health of the tree.

To help the new tree succeed, the Forestry Division is providing you with a device that will make watering the new tree easier. Called a Treegator bag, this green bag-like device encircles the tree’s base and slowly releases the proper amount of water to the tree roots.

All you need to do is follow the steps below and fill it with water once a week. Please continue watering the new tree until the fall of the second year after planting. Forestry staff will collect the Treegator bag after the second season.

If for some reason the Treegator bag becomes damaged, or you have any questions, please contact the Forestry Division at 1-630-260-2122. Thank you for your assistance in the survival of the newly planted Parkway tree.

Sincerely,

Jason Ackerlund
City of Wheaton Forestry Superintendent

Step 1: Expose the fill opening, insert water hose into the fill opening, fill to about one-quarter full.

Step 2: Gently lift up on the two black straps at the top of the bag in order to fully expand the bottom.

Step 3: Fill with water to the top of the bag, (approximately 15 gallons). Water will empty in 5-9 hours.

Step 4: Repeat once a week.