Westmont residents can get up to $599 a year back from the village for planting trees on private property.

The Village of Westmont's Tree Planting Incentive Program has paid out more than $20,000 to participants since launching in spring 2024, according to a village announcement published Wednesday, Oct. 7. More than 50 residents have used the program so far.

Single-family homes, businesses and HOAs in Westmont are all eligible. The money comes from fees the village collects when developers remove healthy trees during construction projects. Reimbursable costs cover tree purchase, delivery, planting and initial care like mulching and watering.

How it works

Spots are awarded first-come, first-served until annual funding runs out. First-time applicants get priority, though past participants can reapply each year.

Not every tree qualifies. Only species listed on the village's registration form are eligible, and trees must measure 1½ to 3 inches in caliper unless otherwise noted. Village staff inspect the proposed planting site before work begins and verify the tree again after it goes in the ground. Residents who receive reimbursement are responsible for the tree's ongoing care.

Part of a broader forestry effort

The program supports goals outlined in Westmont's Urban Forest Management Plan. The village's Forestry & Grounds Division maintains roughly 12,000 public trees across Westmont, according to the village's forestry page. Westmont has held its Tree City USA designation, a national recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation, every year since 1996.

The village also runs a separate annual Tree Seedling Giveaway each spring near Arbor Day, offering free seedlings for private-property planting.

How to apply

Residents fill out an online sign-up form on the village website. No application deadline is published; funding is available until the annual allocation runs out. Questions can go to the Westmont Public Works Forestry & Grounds Division at [email protected] or 630-981-6285.