One of Lake Bluff's most valuable community resources are its trees. Not only do trees conserve and enhance the Village's natural and aesthetic environment, but they also provide a variety of functional benefits such as produce oxygen; stabilize soil; help reduce air and noise pollution; and protect and increase property values. The Forestry Division is responsible the Village's Tree Management Program, which seeks to promote and foster a healthy and natural environment within Lake Bluff. This Division is responsible for the seasonal planting, pruning, monitoring and removing of trees located on Village owned properties, major road corridors and Village parks.
Tree Cost Share Program
Homeowners who would like to add a tree to the parkway in front of their homes can participate in the Tree Cost Share Program. Qualifying homeowners can select from a variety of species of trees and split the cost of the tree with the Village. The Village Forester works with Program participants in selecting a proper tree for the desired parkway location. Generally, trees are planted during the spring and fall seasons.
Tree City USA
Since 1995, Lake Bluff has been consistently named a Tree City USA community by the National Arbor Day Foundation. This designation honors the Village's commitment to outstanding community forestry practices. As part of a family of over 3,200 communities that have received this designation, Lake Bluff has met the four standards that are required to become a Tree City USA. These standards include:
- the operation of a forestry department;
- the protection of trees through a tree preservation ordinance;
- the implementation of a comprehensive community forestry program; and
- a proclamation observing Arbor Day.
The standards used by the National Arbor Day Foundation that distinguish these communities from others help create a framework for an urban or community forestry program. According to the National Arbor Day Foundation, "Being a Tree City USA helps present the kind of image that most citizens want to have for the place they live or conduct business."
