Forestry

forestry
The Public Works Department is responsible for forestry, and employs six certified arborists. This division plants trees in parkways and landscapes medians throughout town. Through their hard work and dedication, Woodridge has been the proud recipient of the Tree City U.S.A. award for every year since 1992.

Woodridge Named Tree City U.S.A.The National Arbor Day Foundation, in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the U.S.D.A Forest Service, has designated Woodridge a Tree City U.S.A. recipient as a result of the village's comprehensive forestry program, dedicated Public Works' crews, and supportive residents, since 1992. This award honors communities that have proven their commitment to an effective and ongoing forestry program and have met certain criteria set by the Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees in our cities and towns help clean the air, conserve soil and water, moderate temperature and bring nature into our daily lives," says John Rosenow of the Foundation. Woodridge is dedicated to the protection, health and replenishing of its abundance of beautiful trees.
Tree Share ProgramSince 1992, Woodridge has assisted residents in beautifying their yards and ultimately the village through the Tree Share Program. Taking advantage of a 50/50 shared cost with the village, residents can purchase a tree for their parkway. The village then takes responsibility for the planting and maintenance of the tree.

A different variety of trees is offered with each Tree Share depending on the time of year planting will take place and nursery availability. Trees are selected not only for their visual desirability, but also for their resistance to disease and their adaptability to climate and urban stress factors such as soil conditions, poor drainage and road salt.

A village arborist will determine if a parkway can accommodate a tree and will assist a resident with choosing the species and best placement. Guidelines on how to care for the new tree will be provided to each participating resident. For more information on the Tree Share Program, please contact Public Works at 630-719-4753.
Proper Tree MulchingPlacing mulch around trees helps keep them healthy while reducing landscape maintenance. Mulch has a variety of benefits which include:

• Conserving moisture
• Discouraging weed growth
• Helping maintain a uniform soil temperature with season changes
• Providing a physical barrier that reduces damage from yard equipment
• Reducing water run-off and soil erosion

Mulch rings also decrease competition from grass which robs trees of valuable nutrients and moisture.
Application of MulchMulch can be applied any time of year, but one of the best is late spring after the soil has warmed up enough to allow for sufficient root growth. Though bark mulches and wood chips are two of the most commonly used mulches, many organic materials can be used.

Mulch should be applied at a uniform depth of two - four inches over weed-free soil. Care should be taken so none of the mulch is against the tree trunk. Putting mulch against the tree can cause the bark to rot allowing disease to be introduced into the tree. Allow a one - two inch wide mulch-free area at the base of the tree to protect it. When correctly done, the mulch will look like a donut around the tree.
Additional information on tree care is available through the websites for the Morton Arboretum and the International Society of Arboriculture.
Brush ChippingThe Public Works Department and the Park District operate a site on 71st Street, just west of Woodridge Drive, where residents may drop off their brush. The site is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month, from May through October. The price is $5 for the first carload ($3 for same day returning car) and $10 per pickup truck, van or trailer. Branches up to 8" in diameter are accepted. Proof of residency is required. Chips generated by this program are made available to residents free of charge at the Woodridge Dr. site throughout the growing season.