Maintenance of Trees

The homeowner shall be responsible for maintenance of the parkway tree(s). This includes watering the tree(s), fertilizing the tree(s), and periodic inspections for insects and disease.

General
Newly planted trees, shrubs and other plants require special maintenance for three (3) growing seasons following planting. All maintenance practices shall follow approved arboricultural standards.

Watering
Ample soil moisture shall be maintained following planting. A thorough watering once in five (5) to ten (10) days, depending on soil type and drainage provisions, is essential during the growing season.

Fertilization
Adequate quantities of the essential nutrient elements should be available after new root growth starts. However, provision of good drainage and adequate moisture of the backfill, or the soil ball on balled plants, is more important than fertilization immediately following planting.

Insect & Disease Control
Thorough inspections shall be made to determine when measures for the control of insects and diseases shall be taken. Plants are in a weakened condition following transplanting and are more susceptible to insects and disease, especially borers, than are in vigorously growing trees. In the event that insects or disease are discovered, the homeowner shall contact the Department of Public Works for guidance.

Tree Pruning
The Village of Romeoville Department of Public Works provides maintenance of all parkway trees as it pertains to pruning and removal. This includes pruning to remove deadwood and branches affected by disease or insects, to promote a sound tree by removing weakly attached and broken branches, as well as limbs that conflict with each other, to allow for the clear flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, to "train" the tree to promote growth which will not conflict with the site. Village crews strive to preserve the natural shape of the tree by using "thinning" cuts when pruning. A thinning cut removes a branch at its point of origin, or shortens a branch to a lateral large enough to assume a terminal role.

Tree Removal
Tree removal occurs when a tree is dead or dying, a tree is considered irreparably hazardous, a tree is causing an obstruction that is impossible to correct through pruning, a tree is crowding and causing harm to other trees, a tree is causing damage to infrastructure such as sidewalks, or to allow for new construction.