The Village of Rantoul has long benefited from organizations and citizens working toward the beautification of the community through the care and planting of trees. Whether it is the Garden Club, Tree Committee, beautification Committee or the multiple departments within the Village, the community is committed to an ongoing effort of tree development and care.

The following provides information on landscaping and how it may effect right-of-ways and utility services.

VILLAGE OF RANTOUL ORDINANCE ON TREE PLANTING
Ordinance Number 1145 passed on October 14, 1986 amended Rantoul Code-1977 Sections 23.22 thru 23.38, covering provisions governing trees and shrubs in Public and Private Places.

Section 23.22 - addresses the limitations with planting on street right-of-ways and states that: It shall be unlawful to plant any Sycamore or Weeping Willow tree in any public street or parkway in the Village. It shall be unlawful to plant any type of tree or shrub in any public street or parkway or other public place without first obtaining a permit from the Director of the Recreation Department, who shall follow the plans of the Tree Commission appointed by the President and Board of Trustees. All trees that are planted on a public street at such locations approved by the Director of the Recreation Department shall be located at least fifty feet (50’) apart, at least four feet (4’) from the street curb, and at least thirty-five feet (35’) from any street intersection.

UTILITY SERVICES
Our entire community is dependent on the services and conveniences provided through safe and reliable electric service. Whether the utilities are overhead or underground, service is compromised by trees planted near or growing into utility lines.
Tips for landscaping and the benefits of trees.
• Plan before you plant!
• Avoid planting trees directly beneath overhead power lines. This will permit the tree sufficient area to grow.
• Avoid planting trees and shrubs on underground utility easements. Often the root area is larger than the branch spread above ground and such root systems may damage or restrict sanitary, storm, gas or electric systems.
• Select slower growing trees that reach a mature height less than 20 feet.
• Plant evergreen trees on the west or north side of the house to offer wind breaks.
• Plant deciduous (autumn leaf-dropping) trees on the south and /or west side of the house to cool in the summer and allow sun to enter the house in the winter.
• Call J.U.L.I.E. before landscaping or performing any excavation at
1-800-892-0123.
• Trees are a source of lumber, food, homes for song birds, and countless products, and they beautify our community and countryside.
• Trees conserve energy, reduce soil erosion, clean the air we breathe, and help protect rivers and streams. If trees are to provide all these benefits, we need to care for the trees we have.

ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED WITH THE CARE AND PLANTING OF TREES
• The National Arbor Day Foundation (www.arborday.org) is devoted to the care and planting of trees and celebrates National Arbor Day each year on the last Friday in April.
• The Rantoul Tree Committee (Lorrain Wirges) works toward the beautification of the community through the care and planting of trees.
• The Village of Rantoul Recreation Department (www.village.rantoul.il.us) strives to increase awareness of the benefits of trees, through the care and planting of trees.
• The Village of Rantoul Department of Public Works (www.village.rantoul.il.us) oversees the care, pruning or removal of trees on the public right-of-way or on utility easements that may conflict with or compromise utility service to the citizens of the community.