Commission adds 'mulch volcano' item, seeks jurisdictional clarity to protect prairie-path trees

The Garden Village Commission added a discussion item on June 18 to address tree health concerns along the prairie path caused by high piles of mulch around trunks (often called 'mulch volcanoes').

Commissioners reported outreach to DuPage County and village staff to determine maintenance responsibility. Commissioner Patrice Gallagher said she contacted DuPage County staff (Melissa) and village staff (Lee Rivera and assistant Zorida) and that staff agreed to look into who installed the mulch and who has the maintenance authority along the path. "Between Zorida and Lee and Melissa, next week, I'll follow through. We'll get some answers," Gallagher said.

The commission agreed to collect photographs documenting the affected trees and to seek clarification about whether DuPage County or the village must act; if the trees are the county’s responsibility, the village cannot unilaterally correct the mulching. Commissioners expressed urgency because buried trunk flares can harm trees over time.

Next steps: staff will follow up with DuPage County and village maintenance leads, return with jurisdictional clarity, and recommend corrective actions if the village has authority or with county cooperation if not.