In 2007, the Village of Wilmette ’s contractual parkway pruning program will be working in the northeastern section of the Village, an area bounded by Central Ave to the south and Green Bay Rd to the west. Scheduled pruning in 2006 ended with the completion of parkway tree pruning on the western boundary of the Village ( Harms Road ).Scheduled pruning occurs between the dates of November 1 st and April 15 th. Due to the elevated risk of insect and disease transmission, scheduled pruning is not conducted during the summer months.
Larger trees (7” in diameter and above) are pruned by the Village contractor, Winkler Tree Service. The Village contractor is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). Trees less than 7” in diameter are pruned by the Street Division of Public Works. The Village contractor and Street Division personnel perform scheduled pruning between the working hours of 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Residents may be asked to move parked cars in order to allow pruning operations to move along in prompt and safe manner. Residents are also asked to obey temporary “No Parking” signs that may be posted to help expedite tree pruning in a safe and efficient manner.
Trees are pruned to promote their health, growth, appearance and to prevent damage to life and property. The spacing and thinning of branches improves crown shape and branch structure, allows more light into the center of the tree and permits wind to pass freely through the canopy, thus limiting the amount of storm damage occurrence. Systemic pruning also removes foreseeable growth problems, like crowded or crossing branches, before they have a chance to develop and worsen. Other crucial benefits of scheduled pruning include the removal of dead and hazardous limbs.
Because parkway trees are close to Village streets and sidewalks, their branches must be ‘raised' to a height (14' over street, 7' over the sidewalk) that allows safe passage for pedestrians, bikers, snow plows, garbage trucks and emergency vehicles. Clearance pruning lessens the possibility of tree damage by people or vehicle activity. It is healthier for a tree when smaller, low branches are removed since smaller wounds close and seal off more quickly than larger wounds. These practices allow trees to develop maximum crown size while still providing necessary clearance.
While the pruning of parkway trees may seem severe, the Forestry Division assures that it is necessary for their continued health and your safety and that no harm to the tree will result. No pruning cuts will be painted as arboricultural studies and research has shown little benefit. Trees have their own way of dealing with decay, which is known as CODIT (compartmentalization of decay in trees).
The Village of Wilmette has significantly reduced the number of potential problems from storm damage through the institution of a proactive tree pruning program. Considerable time and money has been saved as a result of the scheduled tree pruning program. If you would like further information contact the Forestry Division at 853-7600 or 853-7587.
Wilmette Public Works