A property owner in Highland Park is embroiled in a legal battle over the fate of a tree on her property, citing religious beliefs and constitutional rights as reasons for refusing to comply with city ordinances. Katarzyna Klimezuk filed a complaint against the City of Highland Park on November 7, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, accusing the city of violating her civil rights by demanding the removal of an allegedly diseased tree from her property.
The case centers around a Dutch Elm Disease ordinance that requires property owners to remove infected trees within 30 days of notification. The City Forester, Ben Miller, identified an elm tree on Klimezuk’s property as infected and ordered its removal. However, Klimezuk argues that cutting down the tree would violate her religious beliefs, which regard trees as living beings with souls. She contends that without scientific proof that her tree poses harm to others or the environment, she cannot comply with what she perceives as an unjust order.
Klimezuk’s lawsuit claims violations under several constitutional amendments and state laws, including the Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable searches and seizures and the First Amendment right to free exercise of religion. She seeks declaratory and injunctive relief to prevent further enforcement actions by the city and monetary compensation for alleged trespass and emotional distress caused by ongoing harassment from city officials.
During administrative hearings held in September 2024, evidence was presented showing signs of Dutch Elm Disease progression in Klimezuk’s tree. Despite this, she maintained her stance against removal without conclusive evidence supporting its necessity. The hearing officer ultimately ruled against Klimezuk, finding her liable for failing to remove the diseased tree and imposing fines totaling $1,050. Additionally, the city was authorized to proceed with removing the tree at Klimezuk’s expense.
Representing herself in court filings, Klimezuk faces opposition from city officials determined to enforce local ordinances aimed at preventing disease spread among urban trees. Judge LaShonda A. Hunt presides over this contentious case alongside Magistrate Judge Albert Berry III under Case ID 1:25-cv-13685.
Source: 125cv13685_Kararyna_Klimzczuk_v_City_of_Highland_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Illinois.pdf
