Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Removal

Illinois Community Canopy: Tree Removal is sponsored by Trees Forever. Eligible communities can apply for these competitive grants to pay for the removal of dead, dying, or damaged trees on public land by a certified professional. Communities that complete removals can then be eligible for a tree planting grant to replace the removed trees.

ICC Tree Planting Grants – Trees Forever Trees Forever’s Illinois Community Canopy grant program funds tree planting projects that enhance the canopy in eligible Illinois communities. Projects may include planting trees in public areas such as; along streets, trails, community entryways, at schools, public buildings, cemeteries, parks and more.

Grants are available to eligible Illinois communities to aid in improving their community forests. Our staff will help community leaders and volunteers plan and complete successful planting projects and develop or update tree ordinances, tree boards and management plans. Finished planting?

We can’t wait to hear about it! Click the button below to tell us more and request reimbursement. Check here for the eligibility status of your Illinois community.

For questions about the program or eligibility contact your Illinois Program Manager Connie Cowan . These services and helpful resources are available thanks to a partnership between Trees Forever and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Get ready to apply with these easy steps!

Step 1: Check Eligibility See if your community is eligible for this grant at the Illinois Screening Tool map. For guidance on using the eligibility map please watch this short video. If your community is eligible, review the application process and gather the items A, B, and C listed below.

Remember, this grant can ONLY be used to cover the cost of the trees themselves, not supplemental materials. Reimbursement will occur once planting is completed and documentation is submitted. A.

Review the Tree Species Guide. Here you’ll find suggested species for large shade trees and smaller understory trees appropriate for under power lines or where an overhead obstacle might be present. These are go-to varieties that grow well in our area and support biodiversity.

If you need help, reach out to the Trees Forever Field Coordinator in your area. Not sure who that is? Give us a call at 319-373-0650 x 110.

Tree Species Guide 2024-2025 Download B. Get TWO quotes from local nurseries and put together a budget sheet using the form below. Trees MUST be between 5-gallon and 10-gallon container sized trees (1″ to 1.

5″ caliper trees). No balled and burlapped (B&B) trees are allowed. For questions about tree size and species selection contact Connie Cowan .

Budget-Worksheet-Illinois-Community-Canopy Download Step 3: Apply below by June 30th, 2026. Program Rules, Eligibility & Details Application: Illinois Community Canopy Tree Planting Grants Project Name (Required) Include name of Community in the Project Name. Max 80 characters.

Anticipated Planting Date (Required) Grant Amount Requested (Required) Organization/Committee Name (Required) If awarded, who should the check be made out to? (Required) Checks cannot be made out to individuals Federal Tax ID Number (Required) Community Contacts and Volunteer Committee Communities interested in applying for the program must create a committee.

This group must include a primary contact person, a media contact person, and at least four other community members who will assist with planning, planting and caring for your trees.

Primary Contact Person (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone Local Media Contact (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone Committee Member 1 (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone Committee Member 2 (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone Committee Member 3 (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone Committee Member 4 (Required) Name, Occupation, Address, Email and Phone 1.

Project Description (Required) Please describe your tree-planting project. How will it benefit the community? 2.

Volunteers (Required) Volunteer engagement is required with these grant awards. Please describe how volunteers will be involved with the project. 3.

Diversity (Required) Please describe how you are addressing species diversity either within your project, or how your project diversifies your community’s overall tree composition. 4. Utilities (Required) Are there overhead utility wires at your site and if so, how far away will your trees be planted?

Are there underground utilities in the area and how far away will the trees be planted? 5. Care and Maintenance Plan (Required) Newly planted trees require a significant amount of care to get established.

Describe your tree care plan for the first three years, which should include watering, mulching, pruning and possibly staking. Who is responsible for maintenance? 6.

Tree Ordinance (Required) Does the community currently have a tree ordinance in place? Please upload the tree ordinance Max. file size: 5 MB.

7. Does your community currently have a tree board? (Required) Please list members of the tree board.

8. Does your community currently have someone responsible for the trees in town? (Required) Please identify who cares for the trees.

9. Is your community currently a Tree City USA recognized town? (Required) What year was Tree City USA status obtained?

If you answered NO to any of the above, which of these milestones would you be interested in working with Trees Forever to achieve? Identify who is responsible for our trees Obtain Tree City USA status 11. Other Please include any other relevant information here.

How did you hear about this grant opportunity? Mike Brunk’s IDNR Newsletter Tree Contractor or Service Provider Upload Aerial Map (Required) Upload an aerial map of your community. Highlight area(s) of town where you plan to plant.

Upload Site Plan (Required) This can be a simple sketch or hand drawing of the tree planting area. Include major roads, species and location of each tree to be planted, location of overhead power lines and a north directional arrow. Upload Budget Worksheet (Required) Upload the completed budget worksheet.

Upload Additional Items Include anything else that will help explain or support your project such as community support letters, verification of additional funding sources or photos of the community.

Terms and Conditions Acceptance and Digital Signature (Required) By clicking Submit my Application below, I give permission to Trees Forever to reproduce and use any photographs taken at my community tree-planting event and/or that are submitted as part of our program summary report. I agree to care for our trees for no fewer than three years. I agree to the terms and conditions.

Grant funding is provided through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.