Lemont Plant Removal Services

Our Plant Removal Process

Contact Lemont's Department of Public Works for Plant Material Disposal & Organic Waste Management

Proper plant material disposal in Lemont is governed by strict municipal protocols to protect public health, water quality, and the local environment. Residents must use biodegradable paper bags (no plastic) for seasonal yard waste collection, and woody debris must be bundled in lengths no longer than 4 feet and weighing under 50 pounds. Composting facilities require permits and may charge fees; operating hours and accepted materials are published by the city. Specialized disposal categories include:

• Invasive species: bagged in heavy-duty plastic and sent to landfill (never composted)
• Diseased plants: quarantined and disposed of under controlled conditions
• Hazardous plants: handled with special safety protocols
• Healthy native plants: eligible for municipal composting
• Large woody material: coordinated with municipal chipping services

All plant material must be staged on private property until collection, with immediate cleanup to prevent the spread of seeds or pathogens and to protect storm drains. Coordination with Lemont's beautification and environmental programs is encouraged. Strictly no dumping in streets or storm drains to avoid MS4 violations.
Lemont Department of Public Works
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Professional Plant Assessment, Species Identification & Removal Prioritization in Lemont's Glacial Drift Soils

Professional botanical assessment is essential for responsible plant removal in Lemont's glacial drift soils, which influence root development and removal techniques. Certified experts use taxonomic keys and scientific nomenclature for accurate species identification, referencing the Illinois Department of Natural Resources prohibited plant lists and consulting University of Illinois Extension for complex cases. Comprehensive site evaluations include:

• Soil condition and root system assessment
• Ecological value for habitat and wildlife
• Coordination with landscape architects for restoration

Removal prioritization follows:

• Immediate: invasive species, diseased plants, safety hazards
• High: declining ornamentals, overcrowded plantings
• Moderate: healthy plants needing relocation

Documentation includes photographic records, species verification, and site condition reports, supporting restoration planning with the Lemont Community Development Department.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Requirements for Plant Removal & Water Quality Protection

Plant removal in Lemont must comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) water quality standards, including coordination with watershed protection and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) programs. Key requirements include:

• Preventing sediment and debris from entering rivers and streams
• Erosion control during removal (silt fences, straw wattles)
• Protecting riparian buffers and streambanks
• Avoiding soil compaction and root zone damage

Restoration planning must integrate native species replacement, habitat enhancement, and support Lemont's biodiversity and environmental goals. Immediate site protection and proper material staging are required to prevent runoff contamination and support compliance with the Clean Water Act.

Invasive Species Management & Specialized Disposal Requirements Under Illinois Regulations

Lemont faces significant challenges from invasive species such as:

• Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica/frangula)
• Bush Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii, L. tatarica)
• Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)
• Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica)
• Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora)
• Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata)
• Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea)

Removal protocols include timing to prevent seed dispersal, mechanical extraction tailored to root type, and selective herbicide use under Illinois Department of Agriculture regulations. Equipment must be sanitized between sites. Invasive species must be bagged and landfilled, never composted, and transported securely. Follow-up monitoring is required at 6-month and annual intervals, with documentation and coordination with municipal invasive species tracking programs.

Professional Certification, Safety Standards & Hazardous Plant Protocols

All plant removal professionals in Lemont must hold Illinois or ISA Certified Arborist credentials, with specialized training in invasive species management and pesticide application. Safety protocols require:

• PPE: safety glasses, cut-resistant gloves (A4+), steel-toed boots, long sleeves/pants
• First aid certification and emergency procedures
• Daily equipment inspection and maintenance

Hazardous plants (e.g., poison ivy, giant hogweed, wild parsnip) require barrier creams, full-body protection, and post-exposure washing. Coordination with the Lemont Health Department is essential for exposure treatment.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Cook County Department of Public Health

Professional liability insurance (minimum $1M), environmental impairment coverage, bonding, and workers' compensation are mandatory for municipal contract work.

Seasonal Timing, Wildlife Protection & Weather Coordination for Lemont's Climate Zone 5b

Lemont's USDA Hardiness Zone 5b and climate patterns (per National Weather Service Chicago) dictate optimal plant removal windows:

• Fall/Winter (Oct-Mar): best for most invasives
• Early Spring (Mar-Apr): before nesting and active growth
• Late Spring/Early Summer (May-Jun): for certain species
• Summer (Jul-Aug): restrictions for wildlife and plant stress

Weather coordination includes monitoring soil moisture, temperature (60-85°F for herbicides), precipitation, and wind speed (<15 mph). Wildlife protection mandates nesting bird surveys (Mar-Aug), visual checks for dens/roosts, and coordination with Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Removal timing is tailored to plant biology and dormancy cycles.

Post-Removal Site Restoration, Soil Amendment & Native Species Establishment

Restoration begins with soil testing via University of Illinois Extension for pH, nutrients, and organic matter. Amendments (1-3 inches compost, lime for pH adjustment) are incorporated, and compaction is relieved by tillage or aeration. Immediate stabilization uses annual ryegrass or winter rye within 24-48 hours, followed by permanent native plantings (prairie, woodland, riparian species) and mulching. Erosion control blankets are used on slopes >15%. Long-term plans focus on native community reestablishment, wildlife habitat, and integration with Lemont's green infrastructure. Monitoring includes 1-2 growing seasons of care, invasive monitoring, and success evaluation.

Stormwater Management & Erosion Control During Plant Removal Operations in Compliance with Lemont's MS4 Program

Lemont's MS4 permit under the Clean Water Act and EPA NPDES requires immediate erosion control for exposed areas >1,000 sq ft. Best management practices include:

• Staging equipment away from storm drains
• Daily mechanical cleanup of debris
• Installing silt fences, straw wattles, and check dams
• Containing materials during processing

Long-term, native plantings improve infiltration, reduce runoff, and enhance water quality. Compliance monitoring involves weekly inspections for the first month, monthly thereafter, with photographic documentation and repair protocols. Coordination with the Lemont Department of Public Works ensures regulatory adherence.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-2532
Official Website: Lemont Department of Public Works

Utility Coordination & Infrastructure Protection for Safe Plant Removal Operations

Before any excavation or root removal, JULIE (811) notification is mandatory at least 48 hours in advance. Utility locations must be marked and documented, with hand-digging required within 18 inches of markings. Safety protocols include:

• Minimum 10-foot clearance from overhead lines
• Coordination with all utility providers
• Emergency procedures for accidental strikes

Specialized techniques (root pruning, barriers) protect infrastructure, and utility company representatives must verify clearance before work. The Lemont Building Department oversees final inspection and restoration of disturbed areas.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1581
Official Website: Lemont Building Department

What Neighborhoods Do We Serve Throughout Lemont, IL?

Lemont's neighborhoods each present unique plant removal challenges:

• Historic Downtown: mature trees, high utility density, strict historic standards, opportunities for pollinator gardens
• Derby Meadows: newer developments, mixed native/non-native plantings, HOA landscape requirements, moderate invasive pressure
• Keepataw Trails: proximity to wetlands, rare species habitat, limited equipment access, conservation easements
• Abbey Oaks: established landscapes, ornamental plant decline, property value-driven restoration
• Covington Knolls: woodland edges, invasive bush honeysuckle, wildlife corridors, green infrastructure integration
• Lemont Hills: steep slopes, erosion risk, stormwater management focus, native prairie restoration
• Timberline Estates: large lots, mature oaks, infrastructure protection, opportunities for woodland understory enhancement

Each area requires tailored assessment, environmental sensitivity, infrastructure coordination, and restoration planning in partnership with the Lemont Planning Department.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Planning and Zoning Commission

Lemont Municipal Ordinances for Plant Removal Equipment Operation & Commercial Service Standards

Lemont regulates plant removal operations to ensure community safety and environmental compliance. Equipment may operate 7:00 AM–8:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM–6:00 PM weekends, with noise restrictions and residential limitations. Commercial providers must hold business licenses, contractor registration, general liability and workers' compensation insurance, and pesticide applicator licensing for chemical treatments. Safety protocols include traffic control, proper equipment use, pedestrian protection, and right-of-way permits. Environmental compliance mandates proper material handling, vehicle maintenance, and waste disposal in accordance with Illinois EPA regulations, with oversight by the Lemont Community Development Department.
418 Main Street, Lemont, IL 60439
Phone: (630) 257-1590
Official Website: Lemont Community Development Department

By following these comprehensive guidelines, Lemont residents and professionals can ensure plant removal activities support public safety, environmental protection, and the long-term health of the community's natural resources.