1. What is the parkway?
The parkway is that portion of the public rights-of-way that lies between the street pavement and the front property line. Parkway trees and sidewalks are generally located in this area behind the curb or road shoulder.

2. What if I want to install lawn sprinklers in the parkway?
Residents must get a permit to install lawn sprinklers in the public parkway. Contact the Building Department at 499-7800 for more information.

3. If the parkway is public property, why must I take care of it?
Village maintenance of all parkways would be extremely costly and simply not practical. Parkway trees are maintained by the Village. Defective public sidewalks are also repaired by the Village. Grass cutting, driveway aprons and service walks are maintained by property owners.

4. How do I dispose of my leaves?
Residents are reminded that Village ordinance prohibits the depositing of leaves from parkways and private property on to the street. Street sweepers will bypass any area where leaves have been raked into the street, and responsible homeowners will be notified to properly dispose of the leaves. Leaves which fall upon parkways and private property should be mulched, composted or placed in leaf bags. Bags are available at Village hall $7.50 per roll of twenty (20). Last day of pickup is week of December 12th, 2008. VOL plastic leaf bags are only for use in the fall and only for leaves. Leaves and yard waste material collected in the spring or summer must use Kraft paper bags or yard waste containers identified with a “Yard Waste” sticker..

5. Can I get woodchips or logs for my home landscaping projects? 
Pending the current protocol and policy of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) regulation, woodchips and logs can be picked up free of charge on the Department of Public Works Facility at 98th & Central Avenue. 

6. What if I have a beehive or hornets nest that is a problem?
If it is in a parkway tree, contact Department of Public Works at (708) 499-7756. If it is on private property, check the yellow pages for pest control contractors.

7. Who maintains trees and landscaping in my rear yard or side yard easement?
Easements are actually the property of the homeowner and therefore landscape and other non-utility maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner. If a utility needs maintenance, contact the appropriate utility or Public Works for assistance in determining who is responsible.

8. What if I see bushes or a tree that obstructs a motorist’s view of signage or creates an obstruction at a street corner?
Contact the Department of Public Works to determine whose responsibility it is. Normally, private bushes that overhang sidewalks or create visibility problems are handled by the Village Engineering Department at 708-499-7816.

9. What if my parkway tree is dying or needs trimming?
Contact Department of Public Works, Streets Division at (708) 499-7756.

10. My private tree needs trimming, inspection or removal, what do I do? 
Contact a private contractor with an Oak Lawn Business License to inspect and perform any needed work. For a current listing of business licensed tree contractors "Contact Deanne Adasiak, (708) 499-7837 or dadasiak@oaklawn-il.gov.

11. My neighbor’s tree needs trimming, inspection or removal, what do I do? 
If the tree is a parkway tree, follow the answer provided above in question #9. If the tree is a private tree, follow the answer provided above in question #10. Be sure to approach your neighbor and obtain any permission of trespass if necessary. For a current listing of business licensed tree contractors "Contact Deanne Adasiak, (708) 499-7837 or dadasiak@oaklawn-il.gov. Click here for legal guidelines and more answers to frequently asked questions regarding neighboring trees.

12. The Village started work on a tree and it isn’t finished, what do I do?
Contact the Public Works, Forestry Division at (708) 499-7756.

13. I want to plant a parkway tree what do I do?
The Village has a shared cost tree planting program. We plant two times per year, spring and fall. Submit the application and check to the Village of Oak Lawn and the Village Forester will review the site for appropriate species and location. Click here to obtain a tree planting application.

14. I trimmed my private tree, and I have debris to dispose of, what do I do?
Veolia, the Village’s waste hauler collects debris generated by woody plants. For all trimming, storm damage and bush removal, place the debris at the same location as your pickup for household garbage. For collection, place the debris, bundled in 4’ lengths, 3’ wide or less and less than 60 lbs. Separate logs from branches. This service is available April 1st to November 30th.

15. I removed my private tree, and I have debris to dispose of, what do I do?
The Village will pick up tree debris generated from a whole tree removal performed by the homeowner. Place all debris at the curb (no alley pickup), cut ends toward the street, stacked neatly, and logs separate. Please call the Department of Public Works, Forestry Division, (708) 499-7756 to log your request by Wednesday at 5:00pm. The debris will be inspected on Thursday and pickup will be on Friday. This service is available year round.

16. I hired a contractor to do some tree work, and now I have tree debris, what do I do?
The Village or the Village’s waste hauler (Veolia) do not collect debris generated from contractors. The contractor must haul away the debris.

17. I have a broken branch in my parkway tree and it is ready to fall, what do I do?
Contact the Forestry Division at (708) 499-7756 immediately. If it is after hours, contact police dispatch at 708-422-8292.

18. My trees are growing into the wires, what do I do?
Contact ComEd at 1-800-edison1.

19. Not sure which trees to plant?
The Tree Wizard will recommend the best tree for you.