Elmhurst Tree Loss Countered By New Program: City

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst plans to counter the loss of trees by offering a new program for residents.

On Monday, the City Council unanimously approved earmarking $10,000 for the planting of trees on residents' private property.

The money would come out of the annual $150,000 allocation for helping residents with stormwater management measures.

Under the application-based tree planting program, the city would cover half of a resident's costs up to $500.

Alderman James Nudera said he feared the tree program would push aside some residents who needed stormwater help.

"Before anybody twists what I'm about to say, I'm in full support of trees," Nudera said, adding that he has planted more than 30 trees on his property. "I'm just a little leery about putting aside tax dollars to plant trees."

He continued, "I'd hate to see us come up short of what needs to take place if residents are going to follow through to help us mitigate stormwater."

Alderman Michael Bram said the city has years where it spends all the $150,000 and then some.

"If it's a bad storm year, then you can guarantee that every dime is spent," Bram said.

He also said planting trees on private property is part of the city's stormwater solution.

Alderman Mike Baker backed the program.

"This will put a very minor dent in what we need to do to replace the canopy that we've lost over the years," he said. "But we felt it was a positive first step without stopping any stormwater work from being done."

The City Council voted unanimously for the program, with Alderwoman Emily Bastedo absent.

During the public comments part of the meeting, several residents expressed concern about what they said was the loss of trees locally.

Barbara Lonergan of the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition said the city is losing trees with new home construction.

During a recent city meeting, she said, a builder "openly stated that for new construction, it's easier to clear lots of all trees."

That's what happened a couple of years ago when a new homeowner demolished the historic house at 292 S. Arlington Ave., despite many residents' objections. No house has been built in its place.

Lonergan urged the city to enact an ordinance to protect trees on private property.

To make her point, she noted that Cool Cities presented local officials with before-and-after satellite images showing many tree removals with new home construction.

"The images are not commentary on what is being built, but to acknowledge that our tree canopy is being lost, is not being tracked, and, without planning and protections, will not be easily replaced," Lonergan said.