Sustainability In The Forestry Unit
Commonwealth Edison Tree Replacement Program
Removing inappropriate trees under power lines and planting low growing species reduces the need for Commonwealth Edison to schedule line clearance pruning in these sections.
Since 1996, four hundred and sixty eight trees have been removed and replaced by this program. The benefits of this program include improved electric service reliability and an improved appearance to the Village's landscape. One good example is the crab trees planted along Oakton Avenue between Wilke Road and Windsor Drive. Once the trees are established, the new look is quite attractive.
A long term benefit of this program is the promotion of the right tree planted in the right place. From a health standpoint, this allows trees to develop to their full potential without unnatural trimming which destroys the natural integrity of the tree. When properly placed, healthy growing trees contribute to a healthy atmosphere and to the overall sustainability of the Village.
Before: A Norway Maple tree trimmed to fit around the above power lines
After: A Crab Apple tree growing well below the power lines
Recycle Tree Debris
Wood chips produced from our tree pruning and removal projects are converted to landscape mulch. Logs from the same operations are saw milled to produce wood products such as pallets. Vendors provide free log pick up for our tree removals resulting in reduced costs since we do not need to further process the logs.
Recycling of Leaves
Each Fall the Public Works Department sweeps away several thousand cubic yards of leaves that have fallen naturally onto Village streets. Once collected, disposal of these leaves is bid out to local trucking/composting firms for processing at an approved Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) licensed composting facility.
Sensible Salting of Sidewalks/ Material Reduction
In 2009 we reduced our sidewalk salt usage by 80%. The Village of Arlington Heights application plan requires less salt and hits target areas more effectively. We purchase ice melt with natural ingredients that are safe and protect plants. additionally, an improved storage facility significantly reduced driving time to each site therby lowering our overall fuel consumption.