That Leafy Clump in Your Tree? Removing It Could Be Illegal in Illinois!

Before you get the ladder out to remove that big, unsightly clump of leaves from your tree this spring, there is something very important you need to know if you live in Illinois.

Spring Cleanup in Illinois

Ah, the joys of homeownership. After winter has kept you cooped up indoors for months, then the arrival of spring finally lets you get outside, it feels AMAZING...until you start looking around your yard.

Obviously, the sight of greening grass, budding trees and flowers is a welcomed view, but seeing all the sticks you need to pick up, old leaves you need to rake, and shrubs you need to trim can be a bit overwhelming.

If one of the spring cleanup items on your honey-do list is removing a big clump of leaves from your trees that look like this...

STOP! There's something important you need to know before you knock it down!

What Does a Squirrel Nest Look Like?

That big clump of leaves isn't just a mess that winter left behind, it's a squirrel nest that most likely has babies inside!

Squirrels found throughout Illinois have two breeding seasons; one in January/February, and another in late spring/early summer. A squirrel's gestation period is about six weeks, and the babies nurse until they are about two months old, sooo...there's a high chance that squirrel babies are still living in your tree's ugly clump of leaves at this time of the year.

Are Squirrels Protected in Illinois?

Ready for the biggest reason you should leave that squirrel nest alone? Squirrels are protected in Illinois, and state wildlife laws say it is illegal to trap, hunt, or harm squirrels in urban areas.

Removing Squirrel Nests From Your Yard

If you have a squirrel nest that you really want to get rid of, the best thing to do is call a wildlife control office or rehabilitation center like Hoo Haven in Durand, IL to remove the animals safely.

If you have been watching the nest closely for several days and are certain there are no babies inside, then you should be ok to remove it.

RELATED: The Biggest Spring Mowing Mistake Illinois Homeowners Make