We are fortunate to live in a beautiful town of charm and character. The tree-lined streets and leafy neighborhoods of Glen Ellyn create a welcoming effect and is one of the top reasons why people choose to live here. Our municipality has more tree canopy cover than most of our county neighbors. Tree canopy, in this reference, refers to the amount of tree coverage when viewed from above. According to an urban canopy study completed as part of the Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Glen Ellyn’s canopy is approximately 36%, while DuPage County averages 26%. These statistics set us apart but there is still room for improvement, as much of the original tree canopy has been lost to development.
We know that trees and shrubs offer many benefits.
- They add beauty, interest, and economics to the landscape while creating shade that provides a cooling effect to lessen energy use.
- They buffer unwanted sounds and sights while offering habitat to many living creatures.
- Trees provide a lengthy list of harvestable products.
- Ecologically, they improve the quality of air and water, absorb excess water to help prevent flooding, offer wind breaks, and help reduce soil erosion.
Trees and shrubs are important. Protecting and preserving what we have should be a priority, while replacing trees lost to development, disease and pests must comprise of well-thought-out plans established by community stakeholders, including residents.
Within the urban forestry summary report, it includes where potentially ‘plantable’ areas exist in each community. These areas are defined as land not covered by buildings and paved surfaces. In Glen Ellyn, the most “plantable” space is residential land. While we may not want trees and shrubs occupying every open area around our home, perhaps consider adding trunked species gradually if you have the space and desire, or as your existing trees die. When choosing what to plant, there are many considerations to assess. What are your soil, sun, shade and hydrological conditions? How big will the tree/shrub become? Will it be messy? How fast will it grow? What can be planted close to a foundation without causing problems?
Luckily, we live in a climate that can support a large diversity of species. We also have wonderful community resources, like the Morton Arboretum, which has knowledgeable personnel that can help answer your questions.
Another consideration, which we often don’t think about, is what can the tree/shrub provide for us and our local wildlife? There are dozens of native trees and shrubs adapted to our regional climate and conditions, thus requiring little maintenance. Plus, our wildlife seeks sustenance and shelter from local plants. Many trees offer attractive flowers that appeal to us, but also feed beneficial insects. The subsequent berries or nuts can supply a nutritious snack for birds, squirrels or perhaps your family.

There is a growing movement that supports creating edible landscapes that promote environmental sustainability, provide locally sourced harvests, and build community sociability. Think about your neighbors who eagerly offer their zucchinis and tomatoes. The act of sharing great tasting, homegrown food unites friends, family and strangers. Trees and shrubs can provide food as well. Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts readily grow here. Looking for fruit to eat, or turn into jams or juices? Serviceberry, chokecherry, sweet and sour cherry, plum, peach, pear, apple, elderberry, paw paw, currant, gooseberry, blackberry and raspberry shrubs and trees can grace your yards, kitchens, and neighbor’s plates.
Landscapes change and evolve. As our community changes, we should continually assess what improvements can be made, including those related to our urban forest. How do our actions and choices impact the greenery that brought, and keeps, many of us here? We should be mindful of how can we enhance, protect, preserve, diversify and grow the beneficial surroundings we share.
WHAT WE DO: The Glen Ellyn Park District manages over 250 acres of park land that includes thousands of trees and shrubs. Many of those have been planted and are maintained, while many have naturalized on their own. With the recent loss of many ash trees, the District has been actively replanting trees, both in traditional park settings, but also natural areas. Most of the installed specimens are native to the region and include several types of oaks. Many of the planted trees are small in size.
Currently, municipalities and other institutions are planting younger trees that tend to have a more intact root system. Plentiful roots lead to healthier, faster growing trees. So when you see the little replacements going in – give them a few years to get established. Often young trees catch up and surpass the growth of larger ones planted at the same time simply because they had better roots.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Care for your trees and shrubs at home. Check on them periodically for signs of stress or disease. If you have newer plants, water them if there has been more than a week without rain. If you have mulch around the base, make sure it is not piled up against the trunk, which can lead to bark rot, mold and roots growing above the surface. If you want or need to add trees or shrubs, consider something native to the area or one that can provide you with visual, herbal or edible goodies.